Historical Shark Attacks In Florida Keys Beach

Located in the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, the Florida Keys are a chain of islands stretching over 120 miles.

These islands boast vibrant coral reefs and picturesque sunsets, making them a haven for nature lovers.

The waters surrounding the Florida Keys are teeming with marine life, including various shark species.

While encounters with sharks are rare, these creatures are an integral part of the diverse ecosystem in the area.

Diving and snorkeling enthusiasts frequent the Keys for the opportunity to observe these majestic animals in their natural habitat.

Each Key, from bustling Key West to the serene beaches of Marathon and Islamabad, has its own unique charm.

Visitors can enjoy world-class fishing, water sports, and eco-tours, or simply relax on the sandy shores.

Whether seeking adventure or tranquility, the Florida Keys offer a paradise of nature that beckons visitors to return time and time again.

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Understanding our data at Florida Keys

In our comprehensive overview of florida keys, the data presented in this article is compiled from a variety of public sources, providing a consolidated view of shark encounters by beach.

As you explore the data, it is important to note that while we have organized the information by specific beaches, neighboring beaches may also have their own detailed posts.

We encourage you to utilize the search function on our website to discover unique posts that may pertain to nearby locations.

Given the unpredictable and often chaotic circumstances surrounding shark attacks, some of the details within our tables have been inferred post-incident.

This is a common practice in the documentation of such events, due to factors like the rapid response required at the scene and the retrospective nature of assembling such data.

Our aim is to offer a resource that not only informs but also enhances awareness and safety practices for all who venture into the marine environment.

As you navigate through the information, we hope it serves as a reminder of the respect and caution that our florida beaches command.

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Recorded Attack #1

AreaFlorida
LocationFlorida Keys
Date1954-07-04
Year1954
TypeUnprovoked
CountryUsa
ActivityN/A
NameA Marine Biology Student From The University Of Miami
SexN/A
AgeN/A
InjurySmall Wound On Upper Thigh
FatalN
TimeN/A
SpeciesNurse Shark, 2.5'

Recorded Attack #2

AreaFlorida
LocationFlorida Keys, Monroe County
Date2006-07-01
Year2006
TypeUnprovoked
CountryUsa
ActivitySpearfishing
NameGary Hall
SexM
Age35
InjuryMinor Injuries
FatalN
TimeN/A
Species1.8 M Blacktip Reef Shark
beach photo

Recorded Attack #3

AreaFlorida
LocationFlorida Keys
Date1917-07-18
Year1917
TypeUnprovoked
CountryUsa
ActivityDiving
NameWilliam Sinker
SexM
AgeN/A
InjuryFatal
FatalY
TimeAfternoon
SpeciesN/A

Recorded Attack #4

AreaFlorida
LocationFlorida Keys, Monroe County
Date2007-04-13
Year2007
TypeWatercraft
CountryUsa
ActivityFishing
NameBoat: 48' Charter Boat Gonfishin V
SexN/A
AgeN/A
InjuryNo Injury To Occupants, Shark Holed The Transom-Mounted Livewell
FatalN
TimeN/A
SpeciesBull Shark, 10'
beach photo

Recorded Attack #5

AreaFlorida
LocationFlorida Keys
Date1968-03-01
Year1968
TypeInvalid
CountryUsa
ActivityTreading Water
NameJared Voorhees
SexM
Age28
InjuryNo Injury
FatalUnknown
TimeNight
SpeciesInvalid

Recorded Attack #6

AreaFlorida
LocationFlorida Keys
Date1967-07-29
Year1967
TypeUnprovoked
CountryUsa
ActivitySnorkeling
NameJoseph Mcgonigal
SexM
Age20
InjuryFoot Lacerated
FatalN
TimeAfternoon
SpeciesN/A
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Recorded Attack #7

AreaFlorida
LocationFlorida Keys
Date1969-07-22
Year1969
TypeProvoked
CountryUsa
ActivityN/A
NameWalter Griffin
SexM
Age13
InjuryScrape On Head. Recorded As Provoked Incident
FatalN
Time16H00
SpeciesNurse Shark

Recorded Attack #8

AreaFlorida
LocationFlorida Keys, Monroe County
Date2016-07-27
Year2016
TypeProvoked
CountryUsa
ActivityLobstering
NameWarren Sapp
SexM
Age43.0
InjuryLaceration To Left Forearm Provoked Incident
FatalN
TimeN/A
SpeciesNurse Shark, 4'
beach photo

Recorded Attack #9

AreaFlorida
LocationFlorida Keys 25ºn,82ºw
Date1919-04-06
Year1919
TypeUnprovoked
CountryUsa
ActivityKnocked Into The Water
NameFisherman, A Companion Of J. Rose & W. Koegler
SexM
AgeN/A
InjuryFatal
FatalY
TimeN/A
Species3.7 M [12'], 1200-Lb Shark. Shark Caught & Its Jaw Exhibited At The Carnegie Museum

Recorded Attack #10

AreaFlorida
LocationFlorida Keys
Date1969-06-27
Year1969
TypeUnprovoked
CountryUsa
ActivityWading
NameSteven Benham
SexM
Age22
InjuryNo Details
FatalUnknown
Time1600
SpeciesN/A
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Recorded Attack #11

AreaFlorida
LocationFlorida Keys
Date2020-07-29
Year2020
TypeUnprovoked
CountryUsa
ActivityDiving
NameJustin Stuller
SexM
Age38.0
InjuryLower Leg Bitten
FatalN
TimeN/A
SpeciesLemon Shark, 8'

Recorded Attack #12

AreaFlorida
LocationFlorida Keys, Monroe County
Date2015-04-13
Year2015
TypeUnprovoked
CountryUsa
ActivityPhotographing The Shark
NameMark Rackley
SexM
Age48
InjuryLacerations To Shoulder And Left Bicep
FatalN
TimeN/A
SpeciesBlue Shark, 8 To 9 Feet
beach photo

Recorded Attack #13

AreaFlorida
LocationFlorida Keys, Monroe County
Date2022-07-27
Year2022
TypeUnprovoked
CountryUsa
ActivityLobstering
NameFischer Hricko
SexM
Age13.0
InjuryInjury To Upper Lip
FatalN
TimeN/A
SpeciesNurse Shark

Recorded Attack #14

AreaFlorida
LocationFlorida Keys, Monroe County
Date2006-07-01
Year2006
TypeUnprovoked
CountryUsa
ActivitySpearfishing
NameBebe Hall
SexF
Age28
InjuryLacerations & Puncture Wound To Arm
FatalN
TimeN/A
Species1.8 M Blacktip Reef Shark
beach photo

Recorded Attack #15

AreaFlorida
LocationFlorida Keys
Date1968-07-23
Year1968
TypeUnprovoked
CountryUsa
ActivityWading
NameH. Meacham
SexM
Age33
InjuryAbrasions On Lower Leg
FatalN
Time13H30
SpeciesN/A

Recorded Attack #16

AreaFlorida
LocationFlorida Keys, Monroe County
Date1961-09-26
Year1961
TypeProvoked
CountryUsa
ActivityN/A
NamePaul Walter
SexM
Age16
InjuryFoot & Lower Leg Abraded And Lacerated When He Kicked The Shark Provoked Incident
FatalN
Time16H30
SpeciesN/A
beach photo

Recorded Attack #17

AreaFlorida
LocationFlorida Keys, Monroe County
Date1996-01-23
Year1996
TypeProvoked
CountryUsa
ActivityWading
NameChristopher Riley
SexM
Age33
InjuryShark Bit His Leg After He Grabbed Its Tail & Wouldn'T Let Go Provoked Incident
FatalN
TimeN/A
SpeciesNurse Shark, 0.9 M [3']

Recorded Attack #18

AreaFlorida
LocationFlorida Keys, Monroe County
Date1966-09-08
Year1966
TypeProvoked
CountryUsa
ActivityHunting Crayfish
NameDavid Redmond
SexM
Age14
InjuryAbdomen Abraded When He Seized Shark Provoked Incident
FatalN
TimeN/A
SpeciesNurse Shark, 2.5'
beach photo

Recorded Attack #19

AreaFlorida
LocationFlorida Keys, Monroe County
Date2016-04-07
Year2016
TypeUnprovoked
CountryUsa
ActivityFishing
NameJonathan Lester
SexM
Age34.0
InjuryLeft Hand Bitten
FatalN
TimeN/A
Species5' To 6' Shark

Recorded Attack #20

AreaFlorida
LocationFlorida Keys
Date2000-08-10
Year2000
TypeInvalid
CountryUsa
ActivityAttempting To Illegally Enter The Usa
NameJuan & Alex Bueno
SexM
Age23 & 20
InjuryShark Involvement Probably Post-Mortem
FatalUnknown
TimeN/A
SpeciesShark Involvement Prior To Death Was Not Confirmed
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Recorded Attack #21

AreaFlorida
LocationFlorida Keys
Date1957-02-01
Year1957
TypeUnprovoked
CountryUsa
ActivitySkindiving For Specimens
NameR.P.L. Straughan
SexM
AgeN/A
InjuryMinor Injuries
FatalN
TimeN/A
SpeciesSaid To Involve A Large Mako Shark

Check Out Some Of Our Other Shark Attack Posts

Here we have 5 posts going over some other nearby beaches where shark attacks have happened

Historical Shark Attacks In Quezon, Philippines
Historical Shark Attacks In Makira-Ulawa Province, Solomon Islands
Historical Shark Attacks In Roncador Bank, Columbia
Historical Shark Attacks In Sussex, United Kingdom
Historical Shark Attacks In Nova Scotia, Canada