Shark Attacks in 2003

In 2003, the Global Shark Attack File logged 92 shark attacks worldwide — 239.7% above the historical annual average. 8 were fatal (8.7%). United States accounted for the most incidents that year, with 57.

Total recorded

Fatal

Fatality rate

8.7%

Global avg 21.1%

vs. annual avg

240% above

Hist. avg 27.1/yr

Countries with the most incidents in 2003

Country	Recorded incidents
United States	57
Australia	10
South Africa	7
Brazil	5
New Zealand	3

Species most often involved in 2003

Species	Recorded incidents
Unidentified species	8
Shark involvement not confirmed	3
White shark	3
4' to	2
Bull 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 2003

2002 All years →2004

Frequently Asked Questions

How many shark attacks were there in 2003?

The Global Shark Attack File records 92 shark attacks worldwide in 2003, with 8 fatalities.

What was the shark attack fatality rate in 2003?

8.7% of shark attacks recorded in 2003 were fatal.

Which countries had the most shark attacks in 2003?

The countries with the most recorded incidents in 2003 were United States (57), Australia (10), South Africa (7).

Which shark species were most often involved in 2003 attacks?

Based on incident records, the most frequently identified species in 2003 were Unidentified species, Shark involvement not confirmed, White shark.