Home / Shark Attacks / 2009 Shark Attacks in 2009 In 2009, the Global Shark Attack File logged 120 shark attacks worldwide — 339.8% above the historical annual average. 13 were fatal (10.8%). United States accounted for the most incidents that year, with 41.
Fatality rate
10.8%
Global avg 21.2%
vs. annual avg
340% above
Hist. avg 27.3/yr
Countries with the most incidents in 2009 Species most often involved in 2009 Counts based on the species field in the Global Shark Attack File. Species identification in incident reports is not always reliable.
Notable incidents in 2009 Port Alfred, South Africa Non-fatal
2009-12-28 · Wading
Avoca Beach, Australia Non-fatal
2009-12-25 · Swimming
Ponta do Ouro, Mozambique Non-fatal
2009-12-21 · Swimming · Zambesi shark, 2m
Lamont Reef, Australia Non-fatal
2009-12-19 · Spearfishing · Bull shark, 3m
Mudjimba Island, Australia Non-fatal
2009-12-19 · Kayaking
North Beach, Durban, South Africa Non-fatal
2009-12-17 · Surfing · No shark involvement
Second Beach, Port St. Johns, South Africa Fatal
2009-12-17 · Paddling on kneeboard
Clark Island, New Zealand Fatal
2009-12-15 · Swimming to shore from capsized kayak · White shark, 2.8 to 3 m
Coffee Head, Australia Non-fatal
2009-12-12 · Surfing
Hawks Nest Beach, Australia Non-fatal
2009-12-11 · Rowing · White shark
Frequently Asked Questions How many shark attacks were there in 2009? ▾ The Global Shark Attack File records 120 shark attacks worldwide in 2009, with 13 fatalities.
What was the shark attack fatality rate in 2009? ▾ 10.8% of shark attacks recorded in 2009 were fatal.
Which countries had the most shark attacks in 2009? ▾ The countries with the most recorded incidents in 2009 were United States (41), Australia (28), South Africa (12).
Which shark species were most often involved in 2009 attacks? ▾ Based on incident records, the most frequently identified species in 2009 were White Shark, Bull Shark, Spinner Shark.
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