Fatal Shark Attacks Double in 2023, Highlighting Global Concern

Australia bears the brunt of the increase, with surfers among the most common victims.

Global shark attacks in 2023 saw a significant increase in fatalities, doubling from the previous year with 10 deaths.
Australia experienced a disproportionate number of these fatal attacks, accounting for 40% of deaths despite only 22% of unprovoked attacks occurring there.
The overall number of unprovoked shark attacks worldwide rose to 69, slightly above the five-year average.
Surfers and individuals engaging in board sports were the most common victims of shark attacks in 2023.
Researchers emphasize that despite the uptick in shark attack fatalities, the risk of being bitten remains extremely low.