With its sun-kissed beaches and mesmerizing underwater beauty, Jamaica stands as a favorite destination for many marine enthusiasts. However, the increasing number of shark attacks has caught the attention of both locals and visitors. While these incidents remain relatively uncommon compared to the thousands who safely enjoy the water every day, the implications for tourism and marine safety cannot be overlooked. Stay abreast of the latest developments with our weekly updates on shark attacks in Jamaica, as we unravel the truth behind these interactions between humans and the ocean’s apex predators.
Recent Shark Attacks in Jamaica
| Date / Time | Country / Area | Activity | Name | Sex / Age | Injury | Species |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06-24-2022 Afternoon | JAMAICA | Fishing | Michael Simpson | M | Right arm severed | Tiger shark, 15' |
| 05-01-2021 08h00 | JAMAICA ,Westmoreland Parish | Spearfishing | Donovan Haywood | M /53 | FATAL | |
| 09-19-2018 | JAMAICA ,St. Marys Parish | Spearfishing | Nicholas Malcolm | M /43 | FATAL | |
| 06-27-2013 | JAMAICA ,Kingston Parish | Kevin | M /20 | Probable drowning with post-mortem bites | Shark involvement prior to death not confirmed | |
| 03-12-2013 09h00 | JAMAICA ,St. Catherine | Spearfishing | George Facey | M /68 | FATAL | Tiger shark, 4.8 m |
| 02-01-2013 | JAMAICA ,Kingston Parish | male | M /18 | Knee bitten | ||
| 04-25-1980 | JAMAICA ,St. Mary's Parish | Spearfishing | Venus Goulbourne | M | Hand bitten by speared shark PROVOKED INCIDENT | |
| 06-12-1969 Morning | JAMAICA ,Clarendon | Diving | Dennis Washington | M /27 | Multiple lacerations | |
| 05-01-1965 | JAMAICA | Diving | Ken Bernard | M | Minor injury | |
| 07-10-1963 | JAMAICA | 63' fishing boat Sno' Bay foundered | 40 people were onboard | No survivors & a body sighted could not be recovered because of sharks | ||
| 02-16-1961 | JAMAICA | British sailor from the F-107 | M | FATAL | ||
| 11-28-1951 | JAMAICA ,Kingston Parish | Fishing | George Lewis | M /81 | Lacerations to left hand | |
| 01-01-1945 | JAMAICA | Diving | Albert Stewart | M | Hand severed | |
| 02-01-1941 07h30 | JAMAICA ,Trelawney Province | Seine netting | Albert Buchanan | M | Left knee, calf & heel bitten by shark trapped in the net PROVOKED INCIDENT | |
| 09-27-1931 12h00 | JAMAICA ,Kingston Parish | Diving off wharf | Wilbert Gibbs | M | FATAL | |
| 04-09-1928 Evening | JAMAICA ,Kingston Parish | Diving | Lewis | M | FATAL | |
| 05-24-1922 10h00 | JAMAICA ,Westmoreland Parish | Swimming | Sausse Leon | M /19 | FATAL, arm severed, thigh severely bitten | 6' shark |
| 03-20-1922 | JAMAICA ,Kingston Parish | Fishing | M | Survived | ||
| 03-13-1922 | JAMAICA ,Kingston Parish | Standing | Adeline Lopez | F /14 | FATAL, right leg severed at thigh | 2.7 m [9'] shark later captured by Mitchell-Hedges |
| 09-26-1914 | JAMAICA ,Kingston Parish | Fell overboard | a native boy | M | FATAL | A 20' shark known as Old Tom |
| 11-16-1906 | JAMAICA ,Westmoreland Parish | Fishing | Zacey Allen | M | Leg bitten | |
| 01-01-1898 | JAMAICA ,Kingston Parish | Trailing hand in the water | Gonzales | F | Hand lacerated, 2 fingers severed | |
| 01-08-1891 Night | JAMAICA ,Kingston Parish | boat capsized | 3 sailors | M | FATAL | |
| 07-20-1888 | JAMAICA | Probabable drowning | M | Human remains recovered from a 10' to 12' shark caught in a turtle net | Shark involvement prior to death unconfirmed | |
| 05-20-1826 19h00-20h00 | JAMAICA | Jumped overboard | Thomas Loring | M | FATAL | |
| 12-30-1823 | JAMAICA | male | M | Human remains found in shark | Shark involvement prior to death unconfirmed | |
| 12-25-1808 | JAMAICA ,Kingston Parish | Swimming | male | M | FATAL | |
| 12-12-1784 22h00 | JAMAICA | Swimming | Richard Page | M | ||
| 10-27-1753 | JAMAICA | Fell overboard | male | M | FATAL | |
| JAMAICA ,Westmoreland Parish | Jumped overboard | sailor | M | FATAL |
How prevalent are shark attacks in Jamaica compared to other marine activities?
In Jamaica, the prevalence of shark attacks is quite low compared to other marine activities. Whether you’re snorkeling, diving, or fishing, these activities are far more common and usually encounter-free in the aquatic landscape of Jamaica.
Which areas in Jamaica have reported the highest shark interactions?
Certain coastal regions in Jamaica might experience more shark sightings or interactions due to their proximity to deeper waters or abundant marine life. Always consult with local experts before venturing into unfamiliar waters.
What measures has Jamaica taken to ensure the safety of swimmers and divers?
Jamaica prioritizes the safety of both residents and visitors. Local authorities and resorts often implement guidelines, regular patrols, and awareness campaigns to minimize the risk of shark encounters and ensure everyone can enjoy the sea safely.
