Shark Attacks in 1998

In 1998, the Global Shark Attack File logged 65 shark attacks worldwide — 140.0% above the historical annual average. 9 were fatal (13.8%). United States accounted for the most incidents that year, with 26.

Total recorded

Fatal

Fatality rate

13.8%

Global avg 21.1%

vs. annual avg

140% above

Hist. avg 27.1/yr

Countries with the most incidents in 1998

Country	Recorded incidents
United States	26
South Africa	19
Australia	5
Brazil	4
Reunion	3

Species most often involved in 1998

Species	Recorded incidents
White shark	5
Raggedtooth shark	2
Possibly a white shark	1
Tiger shark	1
1.2 m [4'] 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 1998

1997 All years →1999

Frequently Asked Questions

How many shark attacks were there in 1998?

The Global Shark Attack File records 65 shark attacks worldwide in 1998, with 9 fatalities.

What was the shark attack fatality rate in 1998?

13.8% of shark attacks recorded in 1998 were fatal.

Which countries had the most shark attacks in 1998?

The countries with the most recorded incidents in 1998 were United States (26), South Africa (19), Australia (5).

Which shark species were most often involved in 1998 attacks?

Based on incident records, the most frequently identified species in 1998 were White shark, Raggedtooth shark, Possibly a white shark.