Shark Attacks in 1980

In 1980, the Global Shark Attack File logged 36 shark attacks worldwide — 32.9% above the historical annual average. 6 were fatal (16.7%). South Africa accounted for the most incidents that year, with 11.

Total recorded

Fatal

Fatality rate

16.7%

Global avg 21.1%

vs. annual avg

33% above

Hist. avg 27.1/yr

Countries with the most incidents in 1980

Country	Recorded incidents
South Africa	11
United States	10
Brazil	2
Mexico	2
Philippines	2

Species most often involved in 1980

Species	Recorded incidents
Tiger shark	3
Shark involvement prior to death was not confirmed	2
4 m to	2
Blue shark	2
"sandshark"	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 1980

1979 All years →1981

Frequently Asked Questions

How many shark attacks were there in 1980?

The Global Shark Attack File records 36 shark attacks worldwide in 1980, with 6 fatalities.

What was the shark attack fatality rate in 1980?

16.7% of shark attacks recorded in 1980 were fatal.

Which countries had the most shark attacks in 1980?

The countries with the most recorded incidents in 1980 were South Africa (11), United States (10), Brazil (2).

Which shark species were most often involved in 1980 attacks?

Based on incident records, the most frequently identified species in 1980 were Tiger shark, Shark involvement prior to death was not confirmed, 4 m to.