In the pristine waters of Vanuatu, a breathtaking archipelago in the South Pacific, the beauty of the sea meets vibrant marine life. However, the recent uptick in shark attacks has sparked concern among both locals and tourists alike. Our page provides up-to-date information on shark attacks in Vanuatu, updated weekly, to ensure your safety and peace of mind. As tourism thrives, it’s essential to understand the balance between enjoying this paradise and respecting its natural inhabitants. Stay informed, stay safe.
Recent Shark Attacks in Vanuatu
| Date / Time | Country / Area | Activity | Name | Sex / Age | Injury | Species |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06-22-2005 Afternoon | VANUATU ,Malampa Province | Swimming | Alysha Margaret Webster | F /7 | FATAL | On 8/13/2005 anglers from New Zealand caught a 2.8 m [9'3], 140-kg [309-lb] shark at the same spot. It was believed this was the same shark that killed Alysha |
| 11-11-2004 09h00 | VANUATU ,Malampa Province | Snorkeling | a German tourist (male) | M /30 | Thigh bitten | |
| 12-10-1994 | VANUATU ,Tafea Province | No details | ||||
| 06-19-1992 | VANUATU ,Malampa Province | Swimming | Andrea Rush | F /21 | Right leg was bitten above and below the knee and an artery was punctured | |
| 04-01-1987 12h00 | VANUATU ,Malampa Province | Swimming | male | M /8 | FATAL | 4.3 m shark |
| 01-01-1985 | VANUATU ,Malampa Province | American child | M | FATAL | ||
| 06-03-1984 | VANUATU ,Malampa Province | Swimming | Felix Brem | M /20 | FATAL | |
| 01-01-1983 | VANUATU ,Malampa Province | Ran into the water | Swedish tourist | M | FATAL, arm/shoulder severed | |
| 01-01-1978 | VANUATU ,Malampa Province | Swimming | Vanuatu Weekly Hebdomadaire | F | FATAL | |
| 01-01-1965 | VANUATU ,Malampa Province | 3 males | M | FATAL. Said to have been killed by sorcerers that turned themselves into sharks. The alleged sorcerers were taken into custody by authorities but released due to lack of evidence. | ||
| 10-01-1961 | VANUATU ,Shefa Province | Paddling outrigger canoe | male from Lelepa Island | M | No injury to occupant, canoe bitten & overturned by shark | Two shark's teeth recovered from canoe |
| 02-21-1835 | VANUATU ,Sanma Province | Bathing | John McKeig | M | FATAL | |
| VANUATU ,Malampa Province | female | F | FATAL | |||
| VANUATU ,Malampa Province | Attempting to drive shark from area | a chief | M | Speared shark broke outrigger of canoe throwing man into the water & shark bit his buttock PROVOKED INCIDENT | A large hammerhead shark |
| Date / Time | Country / Area | Activity | Name | Sex / Age | Injury | Species |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11-13-1942 11h01 -time of ship sinking | SOLOMON ISLANDS / VANUATU | Explosion & sinking of the USS Juneau after being torpedoed by the submarine I-85 | Because of a mistaken belief that there were no survivors and several other successive errors, of the 100 to 150 men who survived the sinking, only 11 were rescued. Four of the Sullivan brothers died in the initial blast. | M | Over a period of a week men in the water died of wounds, thirst & sharks. George Sullivan, the last of the Sullivan brothers, survived for 5 days & then was killed by 3 sharks. |
Are there specific areas in Vanuatu known for higher shark activity?
Yes, in Vanuatu, certain areas are known for heightened shark activity. Particularly, the regions around Espiritu Santo Island and Malekula Island have reported a higher incidence of shark sightings
Can feeding or interacting with sharks in Vanuatu increase the risk of attacks?
Yes, feeding or interacting with sharks can indeed amplify the risk of attacks. Such activities disrupt the sharks’ natural behavior, leading them to associate humans with food, which could provoke more aggressive behavior towards people in Vanuatu’s waters. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid such interactions to maintain safety while engaging in water activities in Vanuatu.
What species of sharks are involved in attacks in Vanuatu?
In Vanuatu, the species of sharks often involved in attacks encompass the Tiger Shark and Bull Shark. These species, known for their territorial behavior, are commonly found in the waters surrounding the country.
