Each year, there are approximately 60 to 80 unprovoked shark attacks reported worldwide. For example, recent data shows around 63 unprovoked shark attacks on average annually, with 5 to 6 of these resulting in fatalities
. In 2023, there were 69 confirmed unprovoked shark attacks globally, which is consistent with the average over recent years
. However, in 2024, the number dropped significantly to 47 attacks, marking a 28-year low
. Fatalities from shark attacks average about 10 per year worldwide, though this number can fluctuate; in 2023, there were 14 deaths, higher than usual
. The United States experiences the highest number of attacks annually, with about 36 unprovoked attacks in 2023, followed by Australia and South Africa as other hotspots
. In summary:
- Average unprovoked shark attacks worldwide: ~60-80 per year
- Average fatalities worldwide: ~10 per year
- 2023 attacks: 69 (with 14 fatalities)
- 2024 attacks: 47 (lowest in nearly 30 years)
- Most attacks occur in the United States, Australia, and South Africa
