Shark Attacks in 1976

In 1976, the Global Shark Attack File logged 39 shark attacks worldwide — 44.0% above the historical annual average. 6 were fatal (15.4%). United States accounted for the most incidents that year, with 18.

Total recorded

Fatal

Fatality rate

15.4%

Global avg 21.1%

vs. annual avg

44% above

Hist. avg 27.1/yr

Countries with the most incidents in 1976

Country	Recorded incidents
United States	18
South Africa	12
Australia	5
New Caledonia	1
Hong Kong	1

Species most often involved in 1976

Species	Recorded incidents
White shark	8
Shark involvement prior to death was not confirmed	2
White shark named “Spotty”	2
2.1 m [7'] lemon shark or bull shark	1
Questionable incident	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 1976

1975 All years →1977

Frequently Asked Questions

How many shark attacks were there in 1976?

The Global Shark Attack File records 39 shark attacks worldwide in 1976, with 6 fatalities.

What was the shark attack fatality rate in 1976?

15.4% of shark attacks recorded in 1976 were fatal.

Which countries had the most shark attacks in 1976?

The countries with the most recorded incidents in 1976 were United States (18), South Africa (12), Australia (5).

Which shark species were most often involved in 1976 attacks?

Based on incident records, the most frequently identified species in 1976 were White shark, Shark involvement prior to death was not confirmed, White shark named “Spotty”.