Shark Attacks in 2002

In 2002, the Global Shark Attack File logged 88 shark attacks worldwide — 224.9% above the historical annual average. 10 were fatal (11.4%). United States accounted for the most incidents that year, with 49.

Total recorded

Fatal

Fatality rate

11.4%

Global avg 21.1%

vs. annual avg

225% above

Hist. avg 27.1/yr

Countries with the most incidents in 2002

Country	Recorded incidents
United States	49
Australia	13
Brazil	7
South Africa	5
Papua New Guinea	3

Species most often involved in 2002

Species	Recorded incidents
Tiger shark	6
Bull shark	4
White shark	3
3 m to	2
3.5' to	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 2002

2001 All years →2003

Frequently Asked Questions

How many shark attacks were there in 2002?

The Global Shark Attack File records 88 shark attacks worldwide in 2002, with 10 fatalities.

What was the shark attack fatality rate in 2002?

11.4% of shark attacks recorded in 2002 were fatal.

Which countries had the most shark attacks in 2002?

The countries with the most recorded incidents in 2002 were United States (49), Australia (13), Brazil (7).

Which shark species were most often involved in 2002 attacks?

Based on incident records, the most frequently identified species in 2002 were Tiger shark, Bull shark, White shark.