Shark Attacks in 1978

In 1978, the Global Shark Attack File logged 26 shark attacks worldwide — in line with the historical annual average. 2 were fatal (7.7%). United States accounted for the most incidents that year, with 10.

Total recorded

Fatal

Fatality rate

7.7%

Global avg 21.1%

vs. annual avg

in line with

Hist. avg 27.1/yr

Countries with the most incidents in 1978

Country	Recorded incidents
United States	10
South Africa	8
Australia	3
Italy	2
Marshall Islands	2

Species most often involved in 1978

Species	Recorded incidents
White shark	4
Shark involvement prior to death was not confirmed	2
2.4 m [8'] shark	1
small blue shark	1
15' shark	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 1978

1977 All years →1979

Frequently Asked Questions

How many shark attacks were there in 1978?

The Global Shark Attack File records 26 shark attacks worldwide in 1978, with 2 fatalities.

What was the shark attack fatality rate in 1978?

7.7% of shark attacks recorded in 1978 were fatal.

Which countries had the most shark attacks in 1978?

The countries with the most recorded incidents in 1978 were United States (10), South Africa (8), Australia (3).

Which shark species were most often involved in 1978 attacks?

Based on incident records, the most frequently identified species in 1978 were White shark, Shark involvement prior to death was not confirmed, 2.4 m [8'] shark.