Report: Deadly Shark Attacks Surge at Beaches Popular with Surfers

Shark attacks, particularly of the fatal variety, rose in 2025.

According to the latest findings from the Florida Museum’s International Shark Attack File, last year saw an uptick in shark attack deaths, following a drop in 2024.

And surfers were among the unlucky few who led to the higher statistics.

Per the report, which was published on February 18th:

“Gobal unprovoked shark bites returned to near-average levels in 2025, following a sharp reduction the year prior. There was a total of 65 unprovoked shark bites worldwide in 2025, slightly less than the most recent 10-year average of 72. Nine of last year’s bites resulted in fatalities, compared to the ten-year average of six.”

In total, worldwide, there were a reported 65 unprovoked attacks, nine being fatal.

The report added: “Surfers consistently have some of the highest rates of unprovoked bites, making up 32% of the bites this year.”

As for where the most attacks occurred, the United States took that unfortunate title. Specifically, Florida accounted for 44 percent of the attacks in the US – no surprise there as New Smyrna Beach is commonly referred to as the “shark bite capital of the world.”

Following behind the US, Australia took the second spot.

Regarding the latter, and great white sharks to be precise, the report stated:

“The 2025 uptick in fatalities due to white sharks may reflect stochastic year-to-year variation, but it might also be the consequence of the increasing number of white sharks seen at aggregation sites near beaches that are popular with surfers (particularly in Australia).”

That might change for next year’s report, following the spate of attacks – from bull sharks – which amounted to four in 48 hours in Sydney, Australia. Sadly, there was one fatality during that series of attacks, a 12-year-old boy named Nico Antic.

It’s been said before, but it’s worth noting again – shark attacks are extremely rare. You’re more likely to die from a falling coconut, statistically, so keep that in mind.