Shark Attacks in 1972

In 1972, the Global Shark Attack File logged 36 shark attacks worldwide — 32.9% above the historical annual average. 8 were fatal (22.2%). Australia accounted for the most incidents that year, with 10.

Total recorded

Fatal

Fatality rate

22.2%

Global avg 21.1%

vs. annual avg

33% above

Hist. avg 27.1/yr

Countries with the most incidents in 1972

Country	Recorded incidents
Australia	10
United States	9
Mozambique	5
South Africa	4
Mexico	1

Species most often involved in 1972

Species	Recorded incidents
White shark	5
Questionable incident	2
2 m to	1
White shark, >	1
Bronze whaler 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 1972

1971 All years →1973

Frequently Asked Questions

How many shark attacks were there in 1972?

The Global Shark Attack File records 36 shark attacks worldwide in 1972, with 8 fatalities.

What was the shark attack fatality rate in 1972?

22.2% of shark attacks recorded in 1972 were fatal.

Which countries had the most shark attacks in 1972?

The countries with the most recorded incidents in 1972 were Australia (10), United States (9), Mozambique (5).

Which shark species were most often involved in 1972 attacks?

Based on incident records, the most frequently identified species in 1972 were White shark, Questionable incident, 2 m to.