No need for paranoia

A documentary aired on National Geographic on 25 May stated that on average there are only 75 shark attacks a year and of those only 10 are fatal. There is no reason for shark attack paranoia. Even as a surfer, the most common victim of shark attacks around the world, your chances of being bitten are super slim, tho you’ve probably got less chance of winning the lottery.

There is a lot of hype surrounding shark attacks. They’re gory, bloody, sudden and unexpected. It’s the contrast of a wild, beastly attack on a person when they least expect it, when they are having fun in the sea. It always makes the news. And people love to read about them.

In the documentary “Naked Science - Shark Attack” the say that many attacks could be avoided if we had a better understanding of shark physiology and psychology. They say humans are not their preferred meal. mmmm that's food for thought for surfers!

INJURED - 21 May 2006 - Boa Viagem beach, Recife, Brazil - surfer attacked

Antonio Carvalho, 23, suffered injuries to his left calf and foot following a shark attack while surfing off Boa Viagem beach, Recife, Brazil. His life was not in danger, according to reports.

There was no mention of the type or size of the shark.

The report said shark attacks are common around Recife. According to media Carvalho was the 48th person to suffer a shark attack in Brazil’s Pernambuco state since 1992. Seventeen of those attacks were fatal.

Sources:
EITB 24