Historical Shark Attacks In New Jersey, Usa

New Jersey's coastline runs for more than 130 miles along the Atlantic Ocean.

This famous beach spot displays a variety of coastal landscapes, ranging from lively boardwalks to peaceful sandy shores.

Visitors can engage in activities like surfing, relaxing on the beach, exploring quaint seaside towns, and savoring fresh seafood dishes.

Sharks can be found in New Jersey's coastal waters, including species like sand tiger sharks, thresher sharks, and dusky sharks.

Despite their presence, shark attacks are extremely rare in this area.

These marine creatures generally steer clear of humans and pose little danger to swimmers.

Beach lovers should exercise caution and be mindful of their surroundings while in the ocean.

By respecting sharks' natural habitat and adhering to safety guidelines from local authorities, visitors can have a safe and pleasant beach experience in New Jersey.

beach photo

Understanding our data at New Jersey

In our comprehensive overview of new jersey, 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 areas, neighboring areas 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

AreaNew Jersey
LocationSpring Lake, Monmouth County
Date1916-07-06
Year1916
TypeUnprovoked
CountryUsa
ActivitySwimming
NameCharles Bruder
SexM
AgeN/A
InjuryFatal
FatalY
TimeAfternoon
SpeciesThought To Involve A 2.6 M [8.5'] White Shark

Recorded Attack #2

AreaNew Jersey
LocationLower Delaware Bay
Date1907-08-08
Year1907
TypeUnprovoked
CountryUsa
ActivityWading
NameGeorge Kell
SexM
AgeN/A
InjuryAbrasion To Chest
FatalN
TimeN/A
SpeciesN/A
beach photo

Recorded Attack #3

AreaNew Jersey
LocationBarnegat Light, Ocean County
Date1954-08-14
Year1954
TypeProvoked
CountryUsa
ActivitySurf Fishing
NameLawrence Moody
SexM
AgeN/A
InjuryRight Leg Bitten When Chasing Shark From His Fishing Line Provoked Incident
FatalN
TimeN/A
SpeciesSand Shark

Recorded Attack #4

AreaNew Jersey
LocationOcean City (Offshore)
Date1923-01-01
Year1923
TypeProvoked
CountryUsa
ActivityHoisting Shark Aboard Fishing Boat
NameMale
SexM
AgeN/A
InjuryShark's Tail Broke His Leg. Provoked Incident
FatalN
TimeN/A
SpeciesN/A
beach photo

Recorded Attack #5

AreaNew Jersey
LocationOcean City, Cape May County
Date1980-07-27
Year1980
TypeUnprovoked
CountryUsa
ActivityBody Surfing
NameJeff Moffat
SexM
Age15
InjuryBack Bitten
FatalN
Time15H00
SpeciesN/A

Recorded Attack #6

AreaNew Jersey
LocationOff Ocean City, Cape May County
Date1932-06-26
Year1932
TypeProvoked
CountryUsa
ActivityFishing
NameGiacomo Giavanco
SexM
AgeN/A
InjuryAnkle Broken When 500-Lb Boated Shark Lashed Him With Its Tail Provoked Incident
FatalN
TimeN/A
SpeciesN/A
beach photo

Recorded Attack #7

AreaNew Jersey
LocationBay Head, Ocean County
Date2013-11-07
Year2013
TypeUnprovoked
CountryUsa
ActivityBody Boarding
NameQuinn Gates
SexM
Age16
InjuryNo Injury, Swim Fin Bitten
FatalN
TimeAfternoon
SpeciesN/A

Recorded Attack #8

AreaNew Jersey
LocationEgg Harbor, Atlantic County
Date2011-07-25
Year2011
TypeUnprovoked
CountryUsa
ActivityWade Fishing
NameEric Aubrey
SexM
AgeN/A
InjuryNo Injury, Shark Bit Boot
FatalN
TimeNight
SpeciesN/A
beach photo

Recorded Attack #9

AreaNew Jersey
LocationReeds Bay, Brigantine, Atlantic County
Date1966-06-22
Year1966
TypeProvoked
CountryUsa
ActivityClamming
NameHarry Hiksdal
SexM
Age15.0
Injury3 Lacerations On Right Leg By Speared Fish Provoked Incident
FatalN
Time16H00
SpeciesLocal Authorities Speculated That The Water Was Too Cold For Sharks, But A 2.1 M [7'], 200-Lb Pregnant Sandbar Shark Was Caught Next Day

Recorded Attack #10

AreaNew Jersey
LocationShip Bottom, Ocean County
Date2019-05-20
Year2019
TypeUnprovoked
CountryUsa
ActivityBody Boarding
NamePaul Sykes
SexM
Age67.0
InjuryNo Injury
FatalN
TimeN/A
SpeciesShark Involvement Unconfirmed But Considered Probable
beach photo

Recorded Attack #11

AreaNew Jersey
Location1 Mile Ese Of Navesink, Monmouth County
Date1931-08-27
Year1931
TypeWatercraft
CountryUsa
ActivityFishing For Bluefish
NameBoat, Occupants: Nels Jacobson & Franklin Harriman Covert
SexN/A
AgeN/A
InjuryNo Injury To Occupants. Shark Chasing Fish Struck Boat
FatalN
TimeN/A
SpeciesN/A

Recorded Attack #12

AreaNew Jersey
LocationSandy Hook Bay, Highlands, Monmouth County
DateN/A
Year1886
TypeProvoked
CountryUsa
ActivityNetting Menhaden, Sharks Caught In Net
NameBoat Of Captain Forman White
SexN/A
AgeN/A
InjuryNo Injury, Sharks Ripped Net & Bit Boat Provoked Incident
FatalN
TimeN/A
SpeciesN/A
beach photo

Recorded Attack #13

AreaNew Jersey
LocationShrewsbury River, Monmouth County
Date1904-07-28
Year1904
TypeUnprovoked
CountryUsa
ActivitySailing
NameBoat, 2 Occupants
SexM
AgeN/A
InjuryNo Injury
FatalN
TimeN/A
SpeciesN/A

Recorded Attack #14

AreaNew Jersey
LocationAbsecon, Atlantic County
Date1842-07-06
Year1842
TypeProvoked
CountryUsa
ActivityHarassing A Shark
NameMale
SexM
AgeN/A
InjuryLacerations To Leg Provoked Incident
FatalN
TimeN/A
SpeciesN/A
beach photo

Recorded Attack #15

AreaNew Jersey
LocationSurf City, Long Beach Island, Ocean County
Date2005-06-05
Year2005
TypeInvalid
CountryUsa
ActivitySurfing
NameRyan Horton
SexM
Age17
InjuryDorsum Of Foot/Ankle Injured By Surfboard Skeg Or Other Inanimate Object.
FatalUnknown
Time11H00
SpeciesMr. Burgess Of Isaf Announced The Injury Was The Bite Of A 1.8 M [6'], 2- To 3-Year Old White Shark. Subsequent Investigation Revealed There Was No Shark Involvement In This Incident

Recorded Attack #16

AreaNew Jersey
LocationMatawan Creek, 10 Miles From The Sea, Monmouth County
Date1916-07-12
Year1916
TypeUnprovoked
CountryUsa
ActivitySwimming
NameLester Stillwell
SexM
Age10.0
InjuryFatal, Legs & Torso Bitten
FatalY
TimeA.M.
SpeciesN/A
beach photo

Recorded Attack #17

AreaNew Jersey
LocationBayonne, Hudson County
Date1884-08-28
Year1884
TypeUnprovoked
CountryUsa
ActivityWatercraft
NameEdward Monroe
SexM
AgeN/A
InjuryHand Bitten
FatalN
TimeN/A
SpeciesN/A

Recorded Attack #18

AreaNew Jersey
LocationSeabright, Monmouth County
Date1928-11-18
Year1928
TypeProvoked
CountryUsa
ActivityFishing
NameBoat, Occupants: Captains Charles Anderson, Emit Lindberg & Oscar Benson
SexM
AgeN/A
InjuryFishermen Were Cut & Bruised By Netted, Harpooned And Gaffed Sharks Provoked Incident
FatalN
TimeN/A
SpeciesBlue Nose Sharks
beach photo

Recorded Attack #19

AreaNew Jersey
LocationSea Bright, Monmouth County
Date1917-09-21
Year1917
TypeUnprovoked
CountryUsa
ActivitySwimming, Towing An Empty Barrel
NameDaniel Thompson, Lifeguard
SexM
AgeN/A
InjuryLeft Knee Lacerated
FatalN
TimeN/A
SpeciesN/A

Recorded Attack #20

AreaNew Jersey
LocationLavalette, Ocean County
Date1913-08-27
Year1913
TypeInvalid
CountryUsa
ActivityN/A
NameN/A
SexM
AgeN/A
InjuryMan's Leg Recovered From 800-Lb Shark
FatalUnknown
TimeN/A
SpeciesShark Involvement Prior To Death Unconfirmed
beach photo

Recorded Attack #21

AreaNew Jersey
LocationRaritan Bay
Date1895-08-02
Year1895
TypeUnprovoked
CountryUsa
ActivityFishing
NameElias Turner
SexM
AgeN/A
InjuryArm Bitten
FatalN
TimeN/A
SpeciesN/A

Recorded Attack #22

AreaNew Jersey
LocationVentnor
Date2017-07-23
Year2017
TypeUnprovoked
CountryUsa
ActivityN/A
NameIsabella Smith
SexF
AgeN/A
InjuryMinor Injury To Hand
FatalN
TimeN/A
SpeciesSandtiger Shark 2'
beach photo

Recorded Attack #23

AreaNew Jersey
LocationLong Branch, Monmouth County (Offshore)
Date1936-07-12
Year1936
TypeWatercraft
CountryUsa
ActivityFishing For Bluefish
Name22' Boat, Occupants: Saul White & Charles Dillione
SexN/A
AgeN/A
InjuryNo Injury To Occupants, Shark Leapt Onboard Boat
FatalN
Time15H00
SpeciesBlue Shark, 8' [2.4 M], 500-Lb

Recorded Attack #24

AreaNew Jersey
LocationOff Longport, Atlantic County
Date1891-08-29
Year1891
TypeProvoked
CountryUsa
ActivityShooting Sharks
NameOne Of The Crew Of The Schooner Mary C. Brown
SexM
AgeN/A
InjurySurvived, Provoked Incident
FatalN
TimeN/A
SpeciesN/A
beach photo

Recorded Attack #25

AreaNew Jersey
LocationSandy Hook (Ocean Side), Monmouth County
Date1931-08-06
Year1931
TypeUnprovoked
CountryUsa
ActivitySwimming
NameSoldier, A Private
SexM
AgeN/A
InjurySurvived
FatalN
TimeN/A
SpeciesN/A

Recorded Attack #26

AreaNew Jersey
LocationAbsecon, Atlantic County
Date1842-07-13
Year1842
TypeUnprovoked
CountryUsa
ActivitySwimming
NameMale
SexM
Age15
InjuryLacerations To Leg
FatalN
TimeN/A
SpeciesN/A
beach photo

Recorded Attack #27

AreaNew Jersey
LocationOffshore, Between Mantoloking & Point Pleasant, Ocean County
Date1932-08-10
Year1932
TypeProvoked
CountryUsa
ActivityFishing
NameJohn Olsen
SexM
AgeN/A
InjuryHooked Shark Gashed Right Leg Provoked Incident
FatalN
TimeN/A
Species16' 800-Lb Shark

Recorded Attack #28

AreaNew Jersey
LocationSeaside, Ocean County
Date1926-08-24
Year1926
TypeUnprovoked
CountryUsa
ActivitySwimming
NameCharles A. Burke
SexM
Age18.0
InjuryFatal
FatalY
TimeN/A
SpeciesN/A
beach photo

Recorded Attack #29

AreaNew Jersey
LocationAtlantic City, Atlantic County
DateN/A
Year1905
TypeUnprovoked
CountryUsa
ActivitySwimming From Naptha Launch After A Day Of Fishing
NameGeorge Wright
SexM
AgeN/A
Injury3 Toes Of Right Foot Were Severed
FatalN
TimeN/A
SpeciesN/A

Recorded Attack #30

AreaNew Jersey
LocationSandy Hook Bay, Highlands, Monmouth County
Date1829-06-10
Year1829
TypeUnprovoked
CountryUsa
ActivityFell Overboard From The Ship Gem
NameMale
SexM
AgeN/A
InjuryFatal
FatalY
TimeMorning
SpeciesN/A
beach photo

Recorded Attack #31

AreaNew Jersey
LocationStone Harbor, Cape May County
Date2023-05-21
Year2023
TypeUnprovoked
CountryUsa
ActivitySurfing
NameMaggie Drozdowski
SexF
Age15
InjuryLacerations To Left Foot And Calf
FatalN
Time15H00
SpeciesN/A

Recorded Attack #32

AreaNew Jersey
Location20 Miles Off Seabright
Date1926-07-12
Year1926
TypeWatercraft
CountryUsa
ActivityFishing
NameBoat, Occupants: Andrew Peterson & Peter Jergerson
SexM
AgeN/A
InjuryNo Injury To Occupants
FatalN
TimeN/A
SpeciesWhiptail Shark (Thresher Shark?)
beach photo

Recorded Attack #33

AreaNew Jersey
LocationIn Matawan Creek, Off Nj Clay Company Brickyards At Cliffwood, Monmouth County, 9.5 Miles From The Sea, Monmouth County
Date1916-07-12
Year1916
TypeUnprovoked
CountryUsa
ActivitySwimming
NameJohn Dunn
SexM
Age12.0
InjuryLower Left Leg Bitten, Surgically Amputated
FatalN
TimeN/A
SpeciesSaid To Involve A 2.7 M [9'] Shark

Recorded Attack #34

AreaNew Jersey
LocationAtlantic City, Atlantic County
Date1916-06-30
Year1916
TypeUnprovoked
CountryUsa
ActivitySwimming
NameBoy
SexM
Age10 Or 12
InjuryHeel Bitten
FatalN
TimeN/A
SpeciesN/A
beach photo

Recorded Attack #35

AreaNew Jersey
LocationSandy Hook, Monmouth County
Date1975-10-21
Year1975
TypeInvalid
CountryUsa
ActivitySurf Fishing
NameN/A
SexM
AgeN/A
InjuryTooth Marks In Left Leg
FatalUnknown
Time11H30
SpeciesShark Involvement Unconfirmed

Recorded Attack #36

AreaNew Jersey
LocationMatawan Creek, 10 Miles From The Sea, Monmouth County
Date1916-07-12
Year1916
TypeUnprovoked
CountryUsa
ActivitySwimming (Recovering Remains Of Stilwell)
NameStanley Fisher
SexM
Age24.0
InjuryFatal, Thigh Bitten
FatalY
TimeN/A
Species3 M [10'] Shark
beach photo

Recorded Attack #37

AreaNew Jersey
LocationSteel Pier, Atlantic City, Atlantic County
Date1965-08-26
Year1965
TypeUnprovoked
CountryUsa
ActivitySwimming
NameJames Bloodworth, Jr.
SexM
Age15.0
InjuryRight Thigh Lacerated
FatalN
Time17H30
SpeciesN/A

Recorded Attack #38

AreaNew Jersey
LocationAdventure Aquarium, Camden
Date2009-12-05
Year2009
TypeProvoked
CountryUsa
ActivityDiving
NameRobert Large
SexM
Age58
InjuryLacerations & Puncture Wounds To Right Calf & Ankle When Diver Accidentally Backed Into The Shark Provoked Incident
FatalN
Time13H00
SpeciesSandtiger Shark, 8'
beach photo

Recorded Attack #39

AreaNew Jersey
LocationAtlantic City, Atlantic County
Date1903-09-16
Year1903
TypeUnprovoked
CountryUsa
ActivityFishing
NameRev. John Mcmillan
SexM
AgeN/A
InjuryLacerations To Right Arm & Shoulder
FatalN
TimeN/A
Species9' Shark

Recorded Attack #40

AreaNew Jersey
Location50 Miles Offshore
Date1935-06-18
Year1935
TypeUnprovoked
CountryUsa
ActivityFishing For Bluefish, Shark Leapt Into Dory
NameCaptain Manuel Chalor Of Fishing Trawler Nautilus
SexM
Age31.0
InjuryArm Lacerated By A Shark That Leapt Onto Boat
FatalN
TimeN/A
Species4.6 M [15'] Shark
beach photo

Recorded Attack #41

AreaNew Jersey
LocationSea Girt, Monmouth County
Date1931-07-15
Year1931
TypeUnprovoked
CountryUsa
ActivitySwimming
NameSoldier In Nj National Guard
SexM
AgeN/A
InjuryNipped On Leg
FatalN
TimeN/A
SpeciesN/A

Recorded Attack #42

AreaNew Jersey
Location10 Miles Offshore From Sea Isle City, Cape May County
Date1932-06-28
Year1932
TypeProvoked
CountryUsa
ActivityFishing
NameAntonio Fonzzo
SexM
Age32.0
InjuryKnee Bitten By Boated Shark Provoked Incident
FatalN
TimeN/A
Species250-Lb Dog Shark
beach photo

Recorded Attack #43

AreaNew Jersey
LocationTutle Back Zoo
Date2022-04-09
Year2022
TypeProvoked
CountryUsa
ActivityFeeding Sharks & Stingrays
NameFemale
SexF
Age12.0
InjuryFinger Nipped By Captive Shark Provoked Incident
FatalN
TimeAfternoon
SpeciesEpaulette Shark

Recorded Attack #44

AreaNew Jersey
LocationManasquan, Ocean County
Date1962-08-12
Year1962
TypeUnprovoked
CountryUsa
ActivityStanding
NameMichael Roman
SexM
Age24.0
InjuryLeft Thigh & Hand Bitten
FatalN
Time14H00 - 15H00
Species1.8 M [6'] Shark
beach photo

Recorded Attack #45

AreaNew Jersey
LocationSea Girt, Monmouth County
Date1960-08-21
Year1960
TypeUnprovoked
CountryUsa
ActivityStanding In Knee-Deep Water
NameJohn Brodeur
SexM
Age24.0
InjuryLower Right Leg Bitten, Surgically Amputated 10 Days Later
FatalN
Time16H00
SpeciesN/A

Recorded Attack #46

AreaNew Jersey
LocationBrielle, Monmouth County (Offshore)
Date1941-07-22
Year1941
TypeWatercraft
CountryUsa
ActivityFishing For Tuna
NameFishing Boat Bingo Iii , Occupants: Michael Perkins, George Hornack & Capt. Lonergan
SexN/A
AgeN/A
InjuryNo Injury To Occupants, Shark Leapt Into Boat & Bit Cabin Door
FatalN
Time12H00
SpeciesMako Shark
beach photo

Recorded Attack #47

AreaNew Jersey
LocationSea Bright, Monmouth County
Date1923-01-01
Year1923
TypeWatercraft
CountryUsa
ActivityFishing
NameBoat, Occupant: Richard Rodney
SexM
AgeN/A
InjuryNo Injury To Occupant Shark Struck Boat
FatalN
TimeN/A
SpeciesN/A

Recorded Attack #48

AreaNew Jersey
LocationOff Normandie-By-The-Sea, Monmouth County
Date1890-08-17
Year1890
TypeProvoked
CountryUsa
ActivityFishing For Bluefish
NameA Charter Fishing Boat With James Whiteside And His Party
SexN/A
AgeN/A
InjuryNo Injury To Occupants. Hooked Shark Damaged Boat Provoked Incident
FatalN
TimeN/A
Species5'7 Shark
beach photo

Recorded Attack #49

AreaNew Jersey
LocationShrewsbury River, Highlands, Monmouth County
Date1886-08-01
Year1886
TypeWatercraft
CountryUsa
ActivityClamming
NameJohn Parker & Edward Matthews
SexM
AgeN/A
InjuryNo Injury. They Were Chased By Three Sharks, One Of Which Rammed Their Boat
FatalN
TimeN/A
Species3 M [10'] Sharks

Recorded Attack #50

AreaNew Jersey
LocationOcean City, Cape May County
Date1960-08-30
Year1960
TypeUnprovoked
CountryUsa
ActivitySwimming 3 Miles Offshore
NameRichard Chung
SexM
Age25.0
InjuryRight Leg Severely Lacerated
FatalN
Time17H15
SpeciesN/A
beach photo

Recorded Attack #51

AreaNew Jersey
LocationOcean City (Offshore)
Date1923-01-01
Year1922
TypeProvoked
CountryUsa
ActivityHoisting Shark Aboard Fishing Boat
NameMale
SexM
AgeN/A
InjuryShark's Tail Broke His Leg. Provoked Incident
FatalN
TimeN/A
SpeciesN/A

Recorded Attack #52

AreaNew Jersey
LocationSpring Lake, Monmouth County
Date1913-08-27
Year1913
TypeInvalid
CountryUsa
ActivityN/A
NameN/A
SexF
AgeN/A
InjuryFemale Foot Recovered From Shark
FatalUnknown
TimeN/A
SpeciesShark Involvement Prior To Death Unconfirmed
beach photo

Recorded Attack #53

AreaNew Jersey
LocationShrewsbury River, Highlands, Monmouth County
DateN/A
Year1886
TypeWatercraft
CountryUsa
ActivityN/A
NameBoat, Occupants: 4 Men
SexM
AgeN/A
InjuryShark Attacked Boat, Shark Killed & Towed To Shore
FatalN
TimeN/A
SpeciesShark Was Said To “Have A Very Rough ½”-Thick Skin”

Recorded Attack #54

AreaNew Jersey
LocationSeaside Park, Ocean County
Date1960-08-22
Year1960
TypeUnprovoked
CountryUsa
ActivityN/A
NameThomas Mcdonald
SexM
Age14.0
InjuryKnee Ripped To Bone
FatalN
TimeN/A
SpeciesN/A
beach photo

Recorded Attack #55

AreaNew Jersey
LocationOff Shore
Date1928-08-24
Year1928
TypeInvalid
CountryUsa
ActivityN/A
NameMale
SexM
AgeN/A
InjuryThumb & Coat Sleeve Recovered From Shark's Gut
FatalUnknown
TimeN/A
Species7' Shark

Recorded Attack #56

AreaNew Jersey
LocationBeach Haven, Ocean County
Date1916-07-01
Year1916
TypeUnprovoked
CountryUsa
ActivitySwimming
NameCharles E. Vansant
SexM
Age24.0
InjuryFatal, Left Leg Bitten
FatalY
Time17H00
SpeciesThought To Involve A 2.6 M [8.5'] White Shark
beach photo

Recorded Attack #57

AreaNew Jersey
LocationAtlantic City, Atlantic County
Date1902-07-06
Year1902
TypeProvoked
CountryUsa
ActivitySwimming
NameHarry M. Speerman
SexM
AgeN/A
InjuryShark Bit His Left Arm After He Grabbed Its Tail Provoked Incident
FatalN
TimeN/A
SpeciesN/A

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 Lake Worth Beach
Historical Shark Attacks In Longboat Key Beach
Historical Shark Attacks In Typhoon Lagoon Beach
Historical Shark Attacks In Kzn, South Africa
Historical Shark Attacks In Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Croatia