Shark Attacks in 1940

In 1940, the Global Shark Attack File logged 24 shark attacks worldwide — 11.4% below the historical annual average. 9 were fatal (37.5%). Australia accounted for the most incidents that year, with 10.

Total recorded

Fatal

Fatality rate

37.5%

Global avg 21.1%

vs. annual avg

11% below

Hist. avg 27.1/yr

Countries with the most incidents in 1940

Country	Recorded incidents
Australia	10
South Africa	7
United States	3
Papua New Guinea	2
Panama	1

Species most often involved in 1940

Species	Recorded incidents
Questionable incident	3
3 m [10'] shark	2
White shark	2
5.5 m [18'] shark	1
White shark, species identity confirmed by tooth pattern	1

Counts based on the species field in the Global Shark Attack File. Species identification in incident reports is not always reliable.

Notable incidents in 1940

1939 All years →1941

Frequently Asked Questions

How many shark attacks were there in 1940?

The Global Shark Attack File records 24 shark attacks worldwide in 1940, with 9 fatalities.

What was the shark attack fatality rate in 1940?

37.5% of shark attacks recorded in 1940 were fatal.

Which countries had the most shark attacks in 1940?

The countries with the most recorded incidents in 1940 were Australia (10), South Africa (7), United States (3).

Which shark species were most often involved in 1940 attacks?

Based on incident records, the most frequently identified species in 1940 were Questionable incident, 3 m [10'] shark, White shark.