In the azure waters of France, where tourism thrives, the coexistence of humans and marine life sometimes brings unforeseen challenges. Amidst all the beauty and allure of the coastline, shark attacks have emerged as a topic of concern. Our aim is to provide you with accurate, weekly updates on shark attacks in France. This information can guide both locals and tourists in their interactions with the sea, ensuring a safer experience for all.
Recent Shark Attacks in France
| Date / Time | Country / Area | Activity | Name | Sex / Age | Injury | Species |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05-23-2014 Morning | FRANCE ,Wallis and Futuna | Scuba diving | Eric Barnabas | M | Lacerations to left thigh and hip | 3m shark |
| 08-26-2013 20h30 | FRANCE ,Bay of Biscay | Longline fishing for sharks | Ramon Arufe | M /50 | Laceration to right arm from hooked shark PROVOKED INCIDENT | Mako shark, 5' |
| 08-01-1986 | FRANCE ,Gulf of Lyons | Survived | ||||
| 01-01-1972 | FRANCE ,Antibes | Swimming | Shoulder injured | White shark | ||
| 06-24-1892 | FRANCE ,Brittany | Fishing boat | No injury, no attack | Invalid | ||
| 12-08-1884 02h00 | FRANCE ,Côte d'Azur | child | F | FATAL Leg severed by harpooned shark PROVOKED INCIDENT | 10' shark | |
| 07-23-1874 | FRANCE | Fishing | Shark and boat collided. No injury to occupants | |||
| 09-18-1864 | FRANCE ,Alpes Maritime | Dragging a shark | fisherman | M | Knee bitten PROVOKED INCIDENT | 1.5 m shark |
| 01-01-1767 | FRANCE ,Côte d'Azur | Bathing | Samuel Matthews | M | Lacerations to arm & leg | Description of shark does not ring true |
| FRANCE ,Nice & Marseilles | males (wearing armor) | M | Possibly white sharks | |||
| FRANCE | child | M | FATAL | |||
| FRANCE ,Provence | Fishing | la Badine, Hyères, | M | No injury | 1.8 m shark | |
| FRANCE ,Côte d'Azur | Bathing | seaman | M | Leg severed | White shark |
Are there safety measures in place in France to prevent shark attacks?
Certainly, France has instituted a series of safety measures to help prevent shark attacks. These range from regular patrols and surveillance of known shark habitats to the use of shark nets and drum lines. It’s essential for all beachgoers in France to be aware of these precautions and to respect any safety guidelines or restrictions that have been put in place for public protection.
Are there any specific activities in France that increase the risk of a shark attack?
In France, certain activities such as spearfishing or surfing might slightly increase the risk of a shark encounter due to the increased movement and noise attracting the attention of sharks.
Is it safe to surf in France given the concerns about shark attacks?
In France, surfing is generally considered safe despite the presence of sharks in surrounding waters. The shark species found in French waters are typically non-aggressive, and instances of shark encounters, let alone attacks, are extremely rare. Therefore, while it’s always advisable to follow standard water safety guidelines, the risk of a shark attack while surfing in France is minimal.
