Despite its serene landscapes and abundant marine life, Canada is not immune to shark encounters. Our weekly updates provide comprehensive details on shark attacks in Canada, offering a unique insight into these unnerving incidents. These reports reveal not only the frequency and location of these events but also their profound impact on the country’s tourism and marine conservation efforts. Understanding human interaction with these sea creatures can help inform safer, more harmonious practices in our waters. Keep yourself informed, and stay safe.
Recent Shark Attacks in Canada
| Date / Time | Country / Area | Activity | Name | Sex / Age | Injury | Species |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08-13-2021 `17h00 | CANADA ,Nova Scotia | Swimming | Taylor Boudreau-Deveaux | F /21 | Thigh injured | |
| 07-19-2012 | CANADA ,British Colombia | Surfing | Kaitlin Dakers | F /23 | Lacerations to 2 fingers, but shark involvement unconfirmed | Salmon shark suspected, but unlikely |
| 12-05-2000 | CANADA ,New Brunswick | Diving for sea urchins | Daniel MacDonald | M /30 | No injury | Porbeagle shark, 3 m [10']rk |
| 07-09-1953 | CANADA ,Nova Scotia | Fishing for lobsters | 12' to 14' dory, occupants: John D. Burns & John MacLeod | M | Burns drowned as result of attack on boat | White shark, 3.7 m [12'], 500 to 500-kg [1,200 lb], identified by W. C. Shroeder based on tooth fragment ebedded in gunwale |
| 08-11-1936 | CANADA ,Newfoundland | Fishing for cod | a dory of the schooner Raymonde, occupants: Albion Muise, Peter Dousette & Jack Shannon | No injury to occupants, hooked shark leapt onboard boat PROVOKED INCIDENT | Shovelnose shark, 6 m [20'] | |
| 07-02-1932 | CANADA ,Bay of Fundy | Fishing, hauling in fishing gear | 7.6 m motorized boat, occupants: fisherman & his son | M | No injury to occupants, shark bumped boat repeatedly | Teeth in hull identified as those from a white shark 4.6 m [15'] in length |
| 01-08-1925 | CANADA ,Vancouver | Diving, repairing water main at depth of 90' | male | M | Injuries, if any, unknown, but afterwards diver stunned shark with iron bar | 2.1 m [7'] shark |
| 06-27-1920 | CANADA ,Halifax | Harpooned shark | occupants: John Chandler & Walter Winters | No injury to occupants, but shark struck boat with such force that Chandler was flung overboard. PROVOKED INCIDENT | 15' | |
| 08-30-1891 | CANADA ,Nova Scotia | Knocked overboard | John Roult | M | FATAL | |
| 08-14-1888 Before daybreak | CANADA ,Nova Scotia | The steamships Thingvalla and Geiser collided | 1 man | M | FATAL | |
| 04-20-1874 | CANADA ,Newfoundland | Fishing | A dory: occupants : 2 men | M | Shark bit & tipped the dory | White shark |
| 10-01-1860 Night | CANADA ,Nova Scotia | Gloucester fishing schooner run down | 2 males | M | FATAL x 2 | |
| CANADA | Fishing | Joe Folsom | M | Arm bitten |
Are most shark attacks in Canada fatal?
Most shark attacks in Canada are not fatal. While incidents can result in serious injuries, the majority of shark encounters in Canadian waters do not result in loss of life.
What should I do if I’m in the water during a shark attack in Canada?
If you find yourself in the water during a shark attack in Canada, it’s crucial to remain calm and avoid making sudden movements. Strive to get back to the shore or a boat as steadily and swiftly as possible, all the while refraining from thrashing or splashing which may further provoke the shark.
How does Canada respond to shark attacks?
Canada has a comprehensive response strategy for shark attacks. Following such incidents, Canadian authorities may temporarily close the affected beaches, conduct an investigation into the event, and put measures in place to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
