Whitetip Shark attacks

37 attacks recorded
Whitetip shark attacks
Date Country Location Fatal?  
Reported 02 Nov-2023 Egypt Southern Red Sea N Details
Jul 1st 2022 Egypt Hurghada, Red Sea Governorate Y Details
Jul 1st 2022 Egypt Hurghada, Red Sea Governorate Y Details
Dec 2nd 2020 Egypt South Sinai N Details
Sep 17th 2020 Australia Queensland N Details
Oct 21st 2019 French Polynesia Moorea N Details
Nov 3rd 2018 Egypt N Details
Jun-1018 Egypt N Details
Aug 5th 2017 Egypt Red Sea Protectorate N Details
Jan 6th 2015 Bahamas Abaco Islands N Details
Jan 1st 1970 St. Martin N Details
Jan 1st 1970 United Kingdom Cornwall N Details
Dec 5th 2010 Egypt Sharm el-Sheik Y Details
Dec 1st 2010 Egypt Sharm el-Sheik N Details
Nov 30th 2010 Egypt Sharm el-Sheik N Details
Nov 30th 2010 Egypt Sharm el-Sheik N Details
Apr 4th 2010 Egypt Sinai Peninsula N Details
Jun 2nd 2009 Egypt St. Johns Reef N Details
Jun 2nd 2009 Egypt St. Johns Reef N Details
Jun 1st 2009 Egypt St. Johns Reef Y Details
Nov 28th 2008 Egypt Red Sea N Details
Jul 18th 2008 Egypt N Details
Sep 27th 2007 Egypt Red Sea N Details
Nov 6th 2003 Egypt Sinai Peninsula N Details
Aug 11th 1997 Egypt Red Sea Y Details
Jul 23rd 1996 Egypt / Israel South Sinai, Gulf of Aqaba N Details
Jan 4th 1993 Caribbean Sea / Gulf Of Mexico N Details
Oct 14th 1972 USA US Virgin Islands Y Details
Oct 14th 1969 USA Hawaii N Details
Sep- 1966 Bahamas Bimini N Details
Jun 18th 1965 USA Florida N Details
Sep 23rd 1961 Mid Atlantic Ocean 165 miles from Bermuda N Details
Sep 23rd 1955 Pacific Ocean - North 1000 miles west of Hawaii Y Details
Sep 23rd 1955 Pacific Ocean - North 1000 miles west of Hawaii N Details
Nov 28th 1942 South Africa KZN N Details
Dec 7th 1941 South Atlantic Ocean N Details
Late Jul-1959 North Atlantic Ocean In the Gulf Stream N Details
whitetip shark
Whitetip Shark

The oceanic whitetip shark (Carcharhinus longimanus) is a species known for its distinct white-tipped fins and an oceanic habitat that spans tropical and subtropical waters. While historically not considered a significant threat to humans, oceanic whitetips have gained attention due to their involvement in a few high-profile shark attacks.

These sharks are well-adapted to pelagic environments and were once common in open oceans. However, their populations have faced significant declines in recent years due to overfishing and the demand for their fins. Despite their intimidating appearance, oceanic whitetips are not known to be overly aggressive towards humans.

Shark attacks involving oceanic whitetips often occur in situations where humans and sharks encounter each other unintentionally. These sharks are opportunistic feeders, and in instances where there's a presence of food, such as with air crashes, shipwrecks or fisheries discards, the sharks may become more assertive in their search for a meal.

The most notable incident involving oceanic whitetip sharks occurred during World War II, particularly after ships were sunk and survivors were adrift in the open ocean. However, in recent times, encounters with oceanic whitetips have become relatively rare, and the overall risk of shark attacks remains low compared to other species.

Conservation efforts are underway to protect oceanic whitetip sharks and other shark species facing threats. Regulations on shark finning and fishing practices aim to ensure the survival of these vital marine predators while minimizing potential risks to humans. Awareness and education about shark behavior and the importance of coexistence play a crucial role in fostering a better understanding of these magnificent creatures.

Attacks by country

  • EGYPT (20)
  • USA (3)
  • PACIFIC OCEAN - NORTH (2)
  • BAHAMAS (2)
  • ST. MARTIN (1)
  • EGYPT / ISRAEL (1)
  • FRENCH POLYNESIA (1)
  • UNITED KINGDOM (1)
  • CARIBBEAN SEA / GULF OF MEXICO (1)
  • MID ATLANTIC OCEAN (1)