Shark Attacks in 1987

In 1987, the Global Shark Attack File logged 35 shark attacks worldwide — 29.2% above the historical annual average. 6 were fatal (17.1%). United States accounted for the most incidents that year, with 15.

Total recorded

Fatal

Fatality rate

17.1%

Global avg 21.1%

vs. annual avg

29% above

Hist. avg 27.1/yr

Countries with the most incidents in 1987

Country	Recorded incidents
United States	15
South Africa	7
Australia	5
Bahamas	2
Philippines	1

Species most often involved in 1987

Species	Recorded incidents
Shark involvement prior to death was not confirmed	3
White shark	3
4' shark	2
1.8 m [6'] blacktip shark	1
2 m [6.75'] 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 1987

1986 All years →1988

Frequently Asked Questions

How many shark attacks were there in 1987?

The Global Shark Attack File records 35 shark attacks worldwide in 1987, with 6 fatalities.

What was the shark attack fatality rate in 1987?

17.1% of shark attacks recorded in 1987 were fatal.

Which countries had the most shark attacks in 1987?

The countries with the most recorded incidents in 1987 were United States (15), South Africa (7), Australia (5).

Which shark species were most often involved in 1987 attacks?

Based on incident records, the most frequently identified species in 1987 were Shark involvement prior to death was not confirmed, White shark, 4' shark.