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Fatal shark attacks on divers in Australia, 1960-2017
John Lippmann1,2,3
1Divers Alert Network Asia-Pacific Foundation, Ashburton, Victoria, Australia.
Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine
|December 6, 2018
Summary
Fatal shark attacks on divers in Australia are rare, representing 3% of diving fatalities. Major risks include spearfishing, seafood collection, and diving near fishing or seals, with Great White Sharks being the primary culprits.
Area of Science:
- Marine biology
- Diving safety
- Shark attack research
Background:
- Shark attacks on divers are a significant concern for public safety.
- Understanding the patterns and risk factors is crucial for prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the number, location, and characteristics of fatal shark attacks on divers in Australia between 1960 and 2017.
- To analyze associated risk factors and the prevalence of these incidents.
Main Methods:
- Data were collected from multiple shark attack databases, including the Divers Alert Network Asia-Pacific Diving Mortality Database, International Shark Attack File, Australian Shark Attack File, and Global Shark Attack File.
- A systematic literature search of medical and sporting publications was also conducted.
- Collected data were rigorously reviewed for relevance and to eliminate duplicates.
Main Results:
- A total of 187 attacks on divers were recorded: 112 on snorkellers, 62 on scuba divers, and 13 on divers using surface-supplied breathing apparatus.
- There were 28 verified deaths: 13 snorkellers, eight scuba divers, and seven using surface-supplied air.
- Victim demographics showed a mean age of 31 years, with predominantly male victims. The Great White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias) was responsible for most attacks.
Conclusions:
- Key risk factors identified include spearfishing, seafood collection, and proximity to fishing activities or seals.
- Despite these risks, shark attacks on divers are infrequent, accounting for only 3% of all diving-related fatalities in Australia over the study period.
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