Nestled in the heart of the Atlantic, Bermuda’s enchanting beaches and turquoise waters have long been a magnet for travelers. However, the allure of the sea also brings forth stories of shark attacks. While rare, it’s pivotal to remain informed about these oceanic events, especially when considering the island’s bustling tourism. Our platform offers weekly updates on these shark attacks in Bermuda, ensuring that visitors can fully appreciate the beauty of Bermuda while maintaining a respectful distance from its marine inhabitants. Dive into our insights, and make every beachside moment count.
Recent Shark Attacks in Bermuda
| Date / Time | Country / Area | Activity | Name | Sex / Age | Injury | Species |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07-27-1989 | BERMUDA | Scuba diving | Russian male | M /35 | FATAL | Shark involvement suspected but not confirmed |
| 03-08-1981 | BERMUDA | Foundering of the Israeli freighter Mezada | Next day 2 bodies recovered from sharks | |||
| 01-01-1975 | BERMUDA | Spearfishing | Geeteh Toussaint | M /25 | Laceration to right ankle | 8' blue shark |
| 08-15-1967 16h00 | BERMUDA ,Hamilton | Floating | Sue Ferguson | F /19 | Right foot abraded & lacerated | |
| 07-02-1965 | BERMUDA ,Hamilton | 12' boat Sio Ag, occupant: John Riding | No injury to occupant, shark bit boat | |||
| 06-29-1964 | BERMUDA ,Hamilton | Conducting a promotional film project for the Gemini space program (a practice astronaut recovery) | 2 USAF 4-engine planes (an HC-54 & a HC-97) each with 12 onboard collided in mid-air at low altitude and plunged into the Atlantic Ocean | 7 rescued, 7 bodies recovered, 10 missing. Many sharks in crash area. | ||
| 08-04-1961 11h00 | BERMUDA | Spearfishing | Robert Sato | M /22 | Right hand lacerated | Blacktip shark, 1.8 m to 2.1 m [6' to 7'] |
| 05-24-1960 15h00 | BERMUDA ,Paget | Free diving but treading water at surface | Louis Goiran | M /25 | Foot bitten | Dusky shark, 2.7 m [9'] dusky shark C. obscurus identified by S. Springer on tooth recovered |
| 04-14-1960 09h00 - 09h30 | BERMUDA ,33N, 68W | Floating on a raft | Crew of aircraft: McGreevy, Beakley, Rosenthal, Ryan & Hodge | M /21 | No injury, 5 sharks bumped raft | Questionable incident |
| 09-27-1959 | BERMUDA ,Hamilton | Dorothy Barbara Rawlinson | F /29 | Murdered, body scavenged by sharks | Shark involvement prior to death was not confirmed | |
| 07-03-1954 | BERMUDA ,South shore | Swimming | Sub-Lieut. Edwin Michael Marks, of H.M.S. Sheffield | M /22 | Left thigh bitten, chest lacerated & defense wounds on foot, fingers and hands | 2.4 m [8'] shark, possibly a dusky shark |
| 10-08-1934 Night | BERMUDA ,Hamilton | Fishing | McCallan | M | Arm bitten by hooked shark PROVOKED INCIDENT | |
| 09-08-1934 | BERMUDA ,Hamilton | Fishing | Captain Earnest Gibbons, skipper of the cruiser Cupid | M | Right foot bitten by shark caught & taken onboard by Mrs. Tucker North PROVOKED INCIDENT | 1.5 m [5'] shark |
| 10-23-1926 01h30 | BERMUDA | British patrol boat 1250-ton HMS Valerian foundered in a hurricane | Of 104 people in the water, only 20 survived. 84 people were lost, many to sharks. Sharks 2 pulled crew off life rafts | |||
| BERMUDA | male | M | FATAL | |||
| BERMUDA ,Paget | Spearfishing | Ross Doe | M | Shoulder abraded by skin of shark |
Has there been an increase in shark attacks in Bermuda in recent times?
While shark sightings do occur around Bermuda, there has been no significant increase in shark attacks in recent times. Bermuda continues to maintain a safe and friendly environment for marine activities, with infrequent shark encounters.
What activities are most associated with shark attacks in Bermuda?
In Bermuda, the activities most associated with shark encounters are often those that involve being in or near the water, such as swimming, diving, and fishing. It’s important to note, however, that these encounters are still quite rare, and the island maintains a strong safety record when it comes to these kinds of marine activities.
Are sharks a problem in Bermuda?
No, sharks are not typically a problem in Bermuda. While there are sharks in the waters surrounding the island, encounters with humans are relatively rare. Bermuda’s beaches are popular and safe for swimming, and measures are in place to ensure the safety of both residents and visitors. It’s always wise, however, to follow local guidelines and be aware of one’s surroundings when in the ocean.
