Shark Attacks in 1988

In 1988, the Global Shark Attack File logged 56 shark attacks worldwide — 106.8% above the historical annual average. 8 were fatal (14.3%). United States accounted for the most incidents that year, with 26.

Total recorded

Fatal

Fatality rate

14.3%

Global avg 21.1%

vs. annual avg

107% above

Hist. avg 27.1/yr

Countries with the most incidents in 1988

Country	Recorded incidents
United States	26
South Africa	9
Australia	7
Bahamas	5
Reunion	2

Species most often involved in 1988

Species	Recorded incidents
Shark involvement prior to death was not confirmed	3
1.2 m to	2
Tiger shark	2
1.5 m [5'] Caribbean reef shark	2
White shark	2

Counts based on the species field in the Global Shark Attack File. Species identification in incident reports is not always reliable.

Notable incidents in 1988

1987 All years →1989

Frequently Asked Questions

How many shark attacks were there in 1988?

The Global Shark Attack File records 56 shark attacks worldwide in 1988, with 8 fatalities.

What was the shark attack fatality rate in 1988?

14.3% of shark attacks recorded in 1988 were fatal.

Which countries had the most shark attacks in 1988?

The countries with the most recorded incidents in 1988 were United States (26), South Africa (9), Australia (7).

Which shark species were most often involved in 1988 attacks?

Based on incident records, the most frequently identified species in 1988 were Shark involvement prior to death was not confirmed, 1.2 m to, Tiger shark.