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. 2018 Dec 24;48(4):224-228.
doi: 10.28920/dhm48.4.224-228.

Fatal shark attacks on divers in Australia, 1960-2017

John Lippmann  1   2   3
Affiliations

Fatal shark attacks on divers in Australia, 1960-2017

John Lippmann. Diving Hyperb Med. .

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to identify the number, location and characteristics associated with fatal shark attacks on divers in Australian waters from 1960 to 2017, inclusive.

Methods: Searches were made of the Divers Alert Network Asia-Pacific Diving Mortality Database; the International Shark Attack File website; the Australian Shark Attack File and the Global Shark Attack File to identify cases of fatal shark attacks on divers in Australia. In addition, a systematic search of published medical and sporting literature was conducted to identify relevant reports. The data collected were scrutinised for relevance and duplication.

Results: There were 187 recorded attacks on divers, comprising 112 snorkellers, 62 scuba divers and 13 on divers using surface-supplied breathing apparatus. These included 28 verified deaths: 13 involving snorkellers, eight involving scuba divers, and seven divers using surface-supply. The victims' ages ranged from 13-50 years (mean 31 years). All but three were males. The vast majority of attacks were by Carcharodon carcharias (Great White Shark).

Conclusion: Spearfishing and other seafood collection, as well as diving near fishing activities and/or seals, were identified as major risk factors. However, shark attacks on divers are relatively rare and represent only 3% of diving-related fatalities in Australia over this 57-year period.

Keywords: Deaths; Diving; Diving incidents; Injuries; Marine animals; Snorkelling; Spearfishing.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of interest: nil

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Time of day of 28 fatal shark attacks on divers compared with 138 general shark attacks incidents, expressed as percentages[ 5]
Figure 2
Figure 2
Frequency of fatal shark attacks on divers by decade, 1960–2017 (final number is for only eight years)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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    1. Divers Alert Network Asia-Pacific . Diving-related fatality database and cumulative register. [cited 2018 July 24]. Available from: (data available only to authorized internal investigators). http://www.danap.org.
    1. Taronga Conservation Society Australia [Internet] . Australian shark attack file. [cited 2018 July 24]. Available from: (data available only to authorized internal investigators). https://taronga.org.au/conservation/conservation-science-research/austr....
    1. Shark Research Institute [Internet] . Global shark attack file. [cited 2018 June 06]. Available from: (data available only to authorized internal investigators). http://www.sharkattackfile.net .

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