Sandtiger Shark attacks

74 attacks recorded
Sandtiger shark attacks
Date Country Location Fatal?  
15 Jan-2024 Bahamas Paradise Island N Details
Jan 5th 2024 South Africa Eastern Cape Province N Details
Jul 3rd 2023 USA New York N Details
Jul 13th 2022 USA New York N Details
Jul 22nd 2019 USA Rhode Island N Details
Apr 5th 2019 China Liaoning Province N Details
Nov 11th 2018 Australia Western Australia N Details
Jul 18th 2018 USA New York N Details
Jul 18th 2018 USA New York N Details
Apr 28th 2018 USA Texas N Details
Jul 23rd 2017 USA New Jersey N Details
Mar 2nd 2016 Brazil Santa Catarina State N Details
Jun 24th 2015 USA North Carolina N Details
Jan 3rd 2015 South Africa Eastern Cape Province N Details
Apr 12th 2014 South Africa Eastern Cape Province N Details
Mar 16th 2013 South Africa Western Cape Province N Details
Dec 2nd 2012 Australia New South Wales N Details
Oct 28th 2011 South Africa KZN N Details
Aug 17th 2011 USA North Carolina N Details
Jul 17th 2010 USA North Carolina N Details
Dec 5th 2009 USA New Jersey N Details
Mar 27th 2009 South Africa Eastern Cape Province N Details
Dec 10th 2008 South Africa Western Cape Province N Details
Aug 20th 2007 USA Delaware N Details
Dec 6th 2006 South Africa KZN N Details
Apr 9th 2006 South Africa Eastern Cape Province N Details
Feb 8th 2006 South Africa Eastern Cape Province N Details
Nov 15th 2005 South Africa Eastern Cape Province N Details
May 25th 2005 South Africa Eastern Cape Province N Details
Mar 12th 2005 USA New Mexico N Details
Nov 27th 2004 South Africa Eastern Cape Province N Details
Nov 26th 2004 South Africa Eastern Cape Province N Details
Oct 9th 2004 South Africa Eastern Cape Province N Details
Jan 12th 2004 Australia New South Wales N Details
Jan 7th 2004 South Africa Eastern Cape Province N Details
Jan 1st 1970 United Kingdom Cheshire N Details
Sep 13th 2001 United Kingdom Cheshire N Details
1998 USA Virginia N Details
Aug 12th 1998 South Africa Transvaal N Details
Jul 6th 1998 South Africa Western Cape Province N Details
Jul 6th 1998 South Africa Western Cape Province N Details
Feb 19th 1995 South Africa Eastern Cape Province N Details
Nov 25th 1994 South Africa Western Cape Province N Details
Jun 17th 1989 USA Louisiana N Details
Jun 16th 1988 USA North Carolina N Details
Feb 15th 1988 South Africa KZN N Details
Dec 31st 1986 South Africa Western Cape Province N Details
Oct 17th 1986 South Africa KZN N Details
Feb 7th 1986 South Africa Eastern Cape Province N Details
Feb 6th 1986 South Africa Western Cape Province N Details
Dec 10th 1985 USA North Carolina N Details
Jan 27th 1985 South Africa Western Cape Province N Details
Jul-1984 South Africa KZN N Details
Feb 18th 1984 South Africa Eastern Cape Province N Details
Jan 5th 1984 South Africa Eastern Cape Province N Details
Dec 21st 1983 South Africa Eastern Cape Province N Details
Apr 12th 1983 South Africa Eastern Cape Province N Details
Jan 29th 1982 South Africa Eastern Cape Province N Details
May 20th 1981 South Africa Eastern Cape Province N Details
May 10th 1981 South Africa Eastern Cape Province N Details
Jan 10th 1980 South Africa Eastern Cape Province N Details
Oct 22nd 1979 South Africa Eastern Cape Province N Details
Apr 20th 1974 South Africa Western Cape Province N Details
Jan 13th 1974 South Africa KZN N Details
Jun 15th 1970 South Africa KZN N Details
Jan 22nd 1967 South Africa Western Cape Province N Details
Jul 31st 1966 USA Texas N Details
Dec 25th 1964 South Africa Eastern Cape Province N Details
Jan 3rd 1961 South Africa KZN N Details
Jan 1st 1970 South Africa Eastern Cape Province N Details
Aug 30th 1959 Australia Tasmania N Details
1932 South Africa Eastern Cape Province N Details
Jan 20th 1927 South Africa Eastern Cape Province N Details
Australia Western Australia N Details
sandtiger shark
Sandtiger Shark

The sand tiger shark (Carcharias taurus) is a species known for its formidable appearance, with a mouthful of sharp teeth that protrude in multiple rows even when the mouth is closed. Despite this intimidating look, sand tiger sharks are generally not considered a significant threat to humans.

Sand tiger sharks are found in various coastal waters and are known to inhabit the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. While they can grow to substantial sizes, reaching lengths of over 10 feet (3 meters), they are typically not aggressive towards humans and are known to be rather docile.

There have been very few documented cases of sand tiger shark attacks on humans. In fact, these sharks are more likely to be on the receiving end of human activities, such as fishing, due to their large size and the value of their jaws and teeth.

Instances of sand tiger shark bites on humans are exceptionally rare, and when they do occur, they are often the result of the shark feeling threatened or provoked. Like many shark species, sand tiger sharks generally prefer to avoid human contact and will not actively seek out interactions.

It's important for beachgoers and ocean enthusiasts to exercise caution and respect when encountering any shark species. Understanding the behavior and habits of these marine creatures is crucial for promoting coexistence and minimizing potential risks. While sand tiger sharks may occasionally be encountered in their natural habitats, they are not typically considered a significant threat to human safety, and attacks are exceedingly uncommon. As with any wildlife, responsible behavior and conservation efforts contribute to maintaining a healthy balance between humans and marine life.

Attacks by country

  • SOUTH AFRICA (46)
  • USA (18)
  • AUSTRALIA (5)
  • UNITED KINGDOM (2)
  • BRAZIL (1)
  • BAHAMAS (1)
  • CHINA (1)