Shark Attacks in 1985

In 1985, the Global Shark Attack File logged 37 shark attacks worldwide — 36.6% above the historical annual average. 3 were fatal (8.1%). United States accounted for the most incidents that year, with 21.

Total recorded

Fatal

Fatality rate

8.1%

Global avg 21.1%

vs. annual avg

37% above

Hist. avg 27.1/yr

Countries with the most incidents in 1985

Country	Recorded incidents
United States	21
South Africa	9
Australia	2
Italy	1
New Zealand	1

Species most often involved in 1985

Species	Recorded incidents
Shark involvement prior to death was not confirmed	2
Shark involvement not confirmed	2
Tiger shark	2
6 m [20'] white shark	2
Sandtiger 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 1985

1984 All years →1986

Frequently Asked Questions

How many shark attacks were there in 1985?

The Global Shark Attack File records 37 shark attacks worldwide in 1985, with 3 fatalities.

What was the shark attack fatality rate in 1985?

8.1% of shark attacks recorded in 1985 were fatal.

Which countries had the most shark attacks in 1985?

The countries with the most recorded incidents in 1985 were United States (21), South Africa (9), Australia (2).

Which shark species were most often involved in 1985 attacks?

Based on incident records, the most frequently identified species in 1985 were Shark involvement prior to death was not confirmed, Shark involvement not confirmed, Tiger shark.