Oregon’s picturesque coastline attracts countless visitors every year. However, the mingling of humans and the sea’s majestic creatures sometimes has its challenges. Recent instances of shark attacks have raised concerns, affecting both the local community and the tourism sector. Stay updated with us, as we provide weekly details on shark attacks in Oregon to ensure you’re informed and safe during your coastal adventures.
Recent Shark Attacks in Oregon
| Date | Country / Area | Activity | Name | Sex / Age | Injury | Species |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-12-06 | USA ,Seaside Cove, Clatsop County | Surfing | Cole Herrington | M /20 | Non-life-threatening to left lower leg & foot | |
| 2019-03-05 | USA ,Cape Kiwanda, Tillamook County | Surfing | Nathan Holstedt | M | No injury, board bitten and dented | |
| 2016-10-10 | USA ,Indian Beach, Ecola State Park, Clatsop County | Surfing | Joseph Tanner | M /29 | Wounds to upper thigh and lower leg | |
| 2013-11-22 | USA ,Gleneden Beach, Lincoln County | Surfing | Andrew Gardiner | M /25 | No injury, board bitten | White shark, 10 ' |
| 2012-01-13 | USA ,Lincoln City, Lincoln County | Surfing | Steve Harnack | M /53 | No injury, surfboard damaged | White shark |
| 2011-12-06 | USA ,Seaside Cove | Surfing | female | F | Minor injury to calf | |
| 2011-10-20 | USA ,Newport, Lincoln County | Surfing | Bobby Gumm | M /41 | No injury, shark bit surfboard | White shark, 15' |
| 2011-10-10 | USA ,Seaside | Surfing | Doug Niblack | M | No injury | 10' to 12' shark |
| 2010-10-28 | USA ,Florence | Surfing | Seth Mead | M | No injury to surfer | |
| 2010-09-27 | USA ,Winchester Bay | Surfing | David Lowden | M /29 | No injury, surfboard rammed | White shark |
| 2006-10-31 | USA ,Siletz River mouth, Lincoln County | Surfing | Tony Perez | M /22 | No injury, surfboard bitten | White shark, 16' |
| 2006-08-29 | USA ,Florence, Lane County | Surfing | Tom Larson | M /23 | Laceration & puncture wounds to foot | |
| 2006-07-31 | USA ,Oswald State Park | Surfing | Robert Martin | M /41 | Minor injury | White shark? |
| 2005-12-24 | USA ,Tillamook Head, Clatsop County | Surfing | Brian Anderson | M /30 | Lacerations to ankle & calf | White shark |
| 2004-09-20 | USA ,Gold Beach | Surfing | Seth Mead | M /26 | Leg bitten | White shark |
| 2002-09-21 | USA ,Cape Kiwanda | Boogie boarding or Surfing | Garry Turner | M /24 | Ankle lacerated | 2.4 m [8'] shark |
| 1998-11-05 | USA ,Winchester Bay | Surfing | Dale Inskeep | M /32 | No injury | White shark, 5 m to 6 m [16.5' to 20'] |
| 1998-04-21 | USA ,Gleneden Beach | Surfing (lying prone on his board) | John Forse | M /50 | Right thigh bitten | 5 m [16.5'] white shark |
| 1994-09-21 | USA ,Short Sand Beach, Oswald West State Park | Surfing | Rob MacKenzie | M /43 | No injury, surfboard bitten | 5 m [16.5'] white shark |
| 1993-01-02 | USA ,Bastendorf Beach, Coos County | Surfing | William Weaver | M /29 | No injury, shark bit board | 6 m [20'] white shark |
| 1992-09-13 | USA ,Gold Beach, Curry County | Surfing | Jerad Brittain | M /20 | Minor bruises | 4 m to 5 m [13' to 16.5'] white shark |
| 1992-03-08 | USA ,Winchester Bay, Douglas County | Surfing (sitting on his board) | Mike Allman | M /21 | Left shoulder & side bitten, board broken | Said to involve a 6 m to 7 m [20' to 23'] white shark |
| 1991-02-24 | USA ,Neskowin, Tillamook County | Surfing | Tony Franciscone | M /38 | Calf lacerated & board bitten | 5.5 m [18'] white shark |
| 1988-10-23 | USA ,Indian Beach, Ecola State Park, just north of Cannon Beach, Clatsop County | Surfing (sitting on his board) | Wyndham Kapan | M /21 | Leg bitten & femur fractured | 5.5 m to 6 m [18' to 20'] white shark |
| 1984-09-30 | USA ,"Turnaround", Cape Kiwanda, Tillamook County | Surfing (sitting on his board) | Robert Rice | M /25 | Abrasion on right foot, board bitten | 3 m to 5 m [10' to 16.5'] white shark |
| 1983-08-20 | USA ,Cape Kiwanda,Tillamook County | Surfing | Randy Weldon | M | No injury, board bitten | White shark |
| 1980-10-27 | USA ,Off Umpqua River | Surfing | Christopher Cowan | M /29 | Thigh lacerated | 4 m to 5 m [13' to 16.5'] white shark |
| 1979-11-27 | USA ,Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach, Clatsop County | Surfing | Kenny Doudt | M /20 | Multiple major Injuries | White shark, 4 m [13'] |
| 1976-08-24 | USA ,Winchester Bay | Surfing | Mike Shook | M /19 | No injury, board bitten | White shark, 4.5 m |
| 1975-07-30 | USA | Sea disaster | Grace Conger | F /62 | FATAL, arms & legs bitten | |
| Sep-1974 1974 | USA ,Myers Creek | Surfing | Curt Brown | M /24 | No injury | White shark, 4.5 m |
Do all beaches in Oregon carry the same risk of shark attacks?
No, not all beaches in Oregon carry the same risk of shark attacks. The risk can vary, depending on factors such as the location, local marine life, and the time of year. It’s important for beachgoers in Oregon to stay informed about the shark activity in different areas and adhere to safety guidelines.
What types of bait tend to attract sharks in Oregon waters?
In Oregon, United States, certain types of bait are known to attract sharks. Predominantly, oily fish such as salmon and tuna or seal and sea lion waste can act as potent attractors due to their strong scent and high fat content.
Are there any successful stories of shark attack survival in Oregon that can provide learning lessons?
Yes, there are indeed successful stories of shark attack survival in Oregon, United States. These accounts often provide valuable information on how to react in such situations, emphasizing the importance of staying calm, using any available tools for self-defense, and seeking immediate medical attention post-encounter.
