According to George Burgess,
director of the International Shark Attack File, the
total number of attacks fell from 65 in 2004 to 58 in 2005; fatalities dropped from 7 to 4. In contrast, there were 78
shark attacks — 11 of them fatal — in 2000, the all-time high record year for attacks since statistics were
kept. Interestingly – and probably not all that surprisingly – surfers were the most frequent victims of
shark attacks in 2005, accounting for 29 such incidents. Swimmers and waders followed with 20 attacks. Divers only
suffered 4 attacks. Not to be
gruesome, but if you’re interested in learning about the 4 fatalities in 2005, they are: Great White Attacks South African
Diver Not to continue being gruesome, but I believe we’ve already had 2 shark attack fatalities in
2006: in Australia and Tonga.
Despite the media coverage shark attacks garnered in 2005, the year-end tally actually
decreased over the prior year, continuing a five-year downward trend. Apparently, assertive and even aggressive human
behavior – not to mention greater safety precautions – helps to explain why shark attacks have dropped. Of course, there’s also some
debate as to whether there are simply fewer sharks in the water today than a few years ago, thanks largely to
overfishing, or if an unusually active hurricane season kept people out of the water.
And, finally, let me remind you that -- in the event that you are face-to-face with an attacking shark -- you should attempt to strike it about the nose and face.
