Historical Shark Attacks In Key West Beach

Key West is an island in Florida known for its beautiful waters and coral reefs.

The area is relaxed, with stunning sunsets and a mix of relaxation and excitement.

Water sports like snorkeling, diving, paddleboarding, and fishing are popular here.

Sharks are an important part of the marine life in Key West.

Species like nurse sharks, lemon sharks, and blacktop sharks can be found in the waters.

Shark tours allow visitors to see these creatures up close, emphasizing the need for conservation and wildlife respect.

Overall, Key West is a great place for nature lovers and thrill-seekers, with a unique mix of island living and marine adventures.

beach photo

Understanding our data at Key West

In our comprehensive overview of key west, 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.

beach photo

Recorded Attack #1

AreaFlorida
LocationKey West, Monroe County
Date1931-06-04
Year1931
TypeUnprovoked
CountryUsa
ActivityCrabbing
NameFrank Johnson, Jr.
SexM
AgeN/A
InjuryLacerations To Fingers
FatalN
TimeN/A
Species6' Shark

Recorded Attack #2

AreaFlorida
LocationKey West, Monroe County
Date1967-09-07
Year1967
TypeUnprovoked
CountryUsa
ActivitySpearfishing
NameN/A
SexN/A
AgeN/A
InjurySurvived
FatalN
Time14H30
SpeciesN/A
beach photo

Recorded Attack #3

AreaFlorida
LocationNear Key West
Date1967-08-07
Year1967
TypeUnprovoked
CountryUsa
ActivitySpearfishing
NameDonald Ritter
SexM
Age15
InjuryShark Grasped Thigh
FatalN
Time14H30
SpeciesNurse Shark, 106 Cm, 28-Lb, Male

Recorded Attack #4

AreaFlorida
LocationKey West, Monroe County
Date1968-01-01
Year1968
TypeInvalid
CountryUsa
ActivityDiving
NameN/A
SexN/A
AgeN/A
InjuryRecovered, Said To Involve A 1M Nurse Shark
FatalUnknown
Time13H00
SpeciesQuestionable Incident
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Recorded Attack #5

AreaFlorida
LocationNear Key West
Date1952-01-01
Year1952
TypeUnprovoked
CountryUsa
ActivitySwimming
NameMale, A Pan American Pilot Wearing A Flourescent Bathing Suit
SexM
AgeN/A
InjuryFatal, Groin Bitten
FatalY
TimeN/A
SpeciesN/A

Recorded Attack #6

AreaFlorida
LocationKey West, Monroe County
Date1993-01-01
Year1993
TypeUnprovoked
CountryUsa
ActivitySnorkeling
NameN/A
SexN/A
AgeN/A
InjurySurvived
FatalN
TimeN/A
SpeciesLemon Shark
beach photo

Recorded Attack #7

AreaFlorida
LocationKey West Aquarium
Date2013-09-01
Year2013
TypeProvoked
CountryUsa
ActivityN/A
NameFemale
SexF
Age3
InjuryArm Bitten By Captive Shark Provoked Incident
FatalN
TimeN/A
SpeciesNurse Shark

Recorded Attack #8

AreaFlorida
LocationKey West, Monroe County
DateN/A
YearZ
TypeUnprovoked
CountryUsa
ActivityKitesurfing
NamePaul Menta
SexM
AgeN/A
InjuryHand Bitten
FatalN
TimeN/A
SpeciesN/A
beach photo

Recorded Attack #9

AreaFlorida
LocationKey West, Monroe County
Date1958-07-10
Year1958
TypeUnprovoked
CountryUsa
ActivityN/A
NameAngel B. Escartin
SexM
Age35.0
InjuryFatal Autopsy Report: Bitten By Shark While Still Alive
FatalY
TimeN/A
SpeciesN/A

Recorded Attack #10

AreaFlorida
LocationKey West, Monroe County
Date1967-06-13
Year1967
TypeProvoked
CountryUsa
ActivitySpearfishing
NameAndres Puma (Or Pruna)
SexM
Age26
InjuryAfter Shark Was Speared & Hit On Head, It Bit The Diver’S Foot Provoked Incident
FatalN
Time17H30
SpeciesNurse Shark, 1 M
beach photo

Recorded Attack #11

AreaFlorida
LocationOff Key West
Date1963-02-04
Year1963
TypeInvalid
CountryUsa
ActivityS.S. Marine Sulphur Queen, Laden With Molten Sulphur Was Bound From Beaumont, Texas For Norfolk, Va, When She Disappeared With 39 On Board
Name2 Males
SexM
AgeN/A
InjuryTwo Shark-Bitten Lifejackets Were Recovered Leading To Speculation That Sharks Took At Least 2 Of The 39 Missing Crewmen
FatalUnknown
TimeN/A
SpeciesShark Involvement Prior To Death Was Not Confirmed

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 Papua New Guinea, Pacific Ocean
Historical Shark Attacks In Clarendon, Jamaica
Historical Shark Attacks In Melbourne Beach
Historical Shark Attacks In Anastasia Island Beach
Historical Shark Attacks In Boa Vista Island, Cape Verde