Home / Shark Attacks / 1963 Shark Attacks in 1963 In 1963, the Global Shark Attack File logged 61 shark attacks worldwide — 123.6% above the historical annual average. 14 were fatal (23.0%). South Africa accounted for the most incidents that year, with 11.
Fatality rate
23.0%
Global avg 21.2%
vs. annual avg
124% above
Hist. avg 27.3/yr
Countries with the most incidents in 1963 Species most often involved in 1963 Counts based on the species field in the Global Shark Attack File. Species identification in incident reports is not always reliable.
Notable incidents in 1963 Catfish Rock, between Salt Rock & Shaka’s Rock, South Africa Non-fatal
1963-12-28 · Standing · Zambesi shark, 1.8 m [6']
Figtree Ledge, Hervey Bay, Australia Non-fatal
1963-12-25 · Sitting on gunwale of boat · 4.3 m [14'], 1000-lb shark
Umhlanga Rocks, South Africa Non-fatal
1963-12-25 · Swimming · 1.8 m [6'] shark
Gonubie River Mouth, South Africa Fatal
1963-12-24 · Swimming
Incident 1963-12-21 Non-fatal
1963-12-21 · Greek steamship Lakonia caught fire, 98 of her 646 passengers, and 30 of her crew of 376 perished · Invalid
Next to West Street groyne, Durban, South Africa Non-fatal
1963-12-21 · Helping friend land hooked shark · Dusky shark, 1 m
Woolgoolga, Coffs Harbour, Australia Non-fatal
1963-12-20 · Fishing · Wobbegong shark, 3'
Hartenbos, South Africa Non-fatal
1963-12-19 · Spearfishing · White shark, 1.7 m [5.5']
Umvoti, South Africa Fatal
1963-12-19 · Splashing in surf · 300- to 400-lb Zambesi shark
55 miles south of Adelaide, Australia Non-fatal
1963-12-07 · Spearfishing · White shark
Frequently Asked Questions How many shark attacks were there in 1963? ▾ The Global Shark Attack File records 61 shark attacks worldwide in 1963, with 14 fatalities.
What was the shark attack fatality rate in 1963? ▾ 23.0% of shark attacks recorded in 1963 were fatal.
Which countries had the most shark attacks in 1963? ▾ The countries with the most recorded incidents in 1963 were South Africa (11), Australia (11), United States (11).
Which shark species were most often involved in 1963 attacks? ▾ Based on incident records, the most frequently identified species in 1963 were White Shark, Bull Shark, Tiger Shark.
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