Shark Attacks in 1956

In 1956, the Global Shark Attack File logged 51 shark attacks worldwide — 88.3% above the historical annual average. 21 were fatal (41.2%). Papua New Guinea accounted for the most incidents that year, with 12.

Total recorded

Fatal

Fatality rate

41.2%

Global avg 21.1%

vs. annual avg

88% above

Hist. avg 27.1/yr

Countries with the most incidents in 1956

Country	Recorded incidents
Papua New Guinea	12
Australia	10
United States	9
South Africa	3
United Kingdom	2

Species most often involved in 1956

Species	Recorded incidents
White shark	5
2.3 m [7'] shark	2
Porbeagle or white shark	1
8-lb shark	1
Said to involve a	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 1956

1955 All years →1957

Frequently Asked Questions

How many shark attacks were there in 1956?

The Global Shark Attack File records 51 shark attacks worldwide in 1956, with 21 fatalities.

What was the shark attack fatality rate in 1956?

41.2% of shark attacks recorded in 1956 were fatal.

Which countries had the most shark attacks in 1956?

The countries with the most recorded incidents in 1956 were Papua New Guinea (12), Australia (10), United States (9).

Which shark species were most often involved in 1956 attacks?

Based on incident records, the most frequently identified species in 1956 were White shark, 2.3 m [7'] shark, Porbeagle or white shark.