Bronze-whaler Shark attacks

74 attacks recorded
Bronze-whaler shark attacks
Date Country Location Fatal?  
Oct 21st 2023 Australia Western Australia N Details
Apr 22nd 2023 Australia Western Australia N Details
Aug 31st 2022 Australia New South Wales N Details
May 27th 2022 Australia Western Australia N Details
Jun 11th 2021 Australia Western Australia N Details
Feb 2nd 2021 Australia South Australia N Details
Oct 4th 2020 Australia Western Australia N Details
Dec 9th 2018 New Zealand North Island N Details
Jun 2nd 2016 Australia New South Wales N Details
Jan 1st 1970 Australia South Australia N Details
Dec 21st 2015 Australia New South Wales N Details
Jul 23rd 2015 Australia Victoria N Details
Jun 9th 2014 Australia South Australia N Details
Jan 13th 2013 New Zealand Mercury Islands N Details
Jul 31st 2012 Australia South Australia N Details
Apr 16th 2011 New Zealand South Island N Details
Jun 27th 2009 Australia New South Wales N Details
Mar 20th 2009 Australia New South Wales N Details
Dec 14th 2008 New Zealand North Island N Details
Nov 9th 2008 Australia South Australia N Details
Sep 15th 2008 Australia Northern Territory N Details
Jan 14th 2008 New Zealand North Island N Details
Oct 13th 2007 Australia Queensland N Details
Jul 18th 2007 Australia Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands N Details
Aug 29th 2006 Australia South Australia N Details
Apr 11th 2006 Australia New South Wales N Details
Mar 15th 2006 Australia New South Wales N Details
Sep 23rd 2005 Australia Western Australia N Details
Apr 16th 2005 Australia New South Wales N Details
Mar 9th 2005 New Zealand North Island N Details
Jan 14th 2005 Australia Victoria N Details
Oct 21st 2004 Australia New South Wales N Details
Jun 10th 2004 Australia Western Australia N Details
Mar 22nd 2004 New Zealand North Island N Details
Mar 6th 2004 Australia Western Australia N Details
Oct 31st 2003 Australia New South Wales N Details
Jan 2nd 2003 Australia Western Australia N Details
Nov 23rd 2001 Australia New South Wales N Details
Oct 2nd 2001 Australia Queensland N Details
Apr 2nd 2001 Australia New South Wales N Details
Feb 4th 2001 Australia New South Wales N Details
Dec 3rd 2000 Australia Queensland N Details
Feb 26th 1996 Australia New South Wales N Details
Jan 22nd 1996 Australia Queensland N Details
Mar 11th 1995 Australia South Australia N Details
04-Feb 1993 Australia Queensland N Details
Mar 10th 1992 Australia Victoria N Details
Jan 29th 1992 Australia New South Wales N Details
Nov 2nd 1989 Australia Queensland N Details
Aug 13th 1989 Australia New South Wales N Details
Mar 30th 1987 Australia Western Australia N Details
Feb 1st 1986 Australia Victoria N Details
Jan 2nd 1976 New Zealand North Island Y Details
Oct 12th 1975 Australia New South Wales N Details
Mar 13th 1975 Australia Queensland N Details
Oct 21st 1972 Australia New South Wales N Details
Apr 15th 1968 Australia New South Wales N Details
Feb 4th 1968 Australia South Australia N Details
Sep 27th 1966 Australia Queensland N Details
Feb 24th 1963 Australia New South Wales N Details
Dec 9th 1962 Australia South Australia Y Details
Jun 10th 1962 Papua New Guinea Y Details
Apr 20th 1962 Australia Queensland N Details
Mar 24th 1962 Papua New Guinea Madang Y Details
Mar 24th 1962 Australia New South Wales N Details
Jan 21st 1962 Australia New South Wales N Details
Mar 30th 1961 Australia South Australia N Details
Apr 22nd 1960 Australia Western Australia N Details
Apr 3rd 1960 Australia New South Wales N Details
Feb 27th 1960 New Zealand North Island N Details
Feb 5th 1955 Australia New South Wales Y Details
Jan 18th 1955 Australia New South Wales Y Details
Summer 1974 Australia Western Australia N Details
Jan 1st 1970 Australia South Australia N Details
bronze-whaler shark
Bronze-whaler Shark

The oceanic bronze whaler shark, scientifically known as Carcharhinus brachyurus, is a large species commonly found in coastal waters around the world, including the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Known for its distinct bronze coloring and powerful build, this shark is not usually considered particularly aggressive towards humans. However, like many sharks, it has been involved in occasional interactions, including shark attacks.

Instances of bronze whaler shark attacks on humans are relatively rare. The shark's diet primarily consists of fish and other marine creatures, and it generally does not perceive humans as prey. Most encounters with this species result from accidental proximity or mistaken identity.

In the rare cases where attacks have occurred, they are often characterized as exploratory bites rather than predatory behavior. These bites may happen in murky waters or areas with reduced visibility, where the shark may mistake a human for natural prey. Thankfully, deaths from bronze whaler attacks are extremely rare, with the injuries sustained are typically non-fatal.

Despite their infrequent involvement in shark-human interactions, oceanic bronze whaler sharks, like all sharks, are essential components of marine ecosystems. Their role in maintaining the balance of oceanic ecosystems is crucial, and efforts to understand and protect these creatures are essential for both shark conservation and human safety. Education, responsible marine practices, and conservation measures contribute to fostering coexistence between humans and oceanic bronze whaler sharks in their natural habitats.

Attacks by country

  • AUSTRALIA (63)
  • NEW ZEALAND (9)
  • PAPUA NEW GUINEA (2)