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.
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.
Recorded Attack #1
Area
New Jersey
Location
Spring Lake, Monmouth County
Date
1916-07-06
Year
1916
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Swimming
Name
Charles Bruder
Sex
M
Age
N/A
Injury
Fatal
Fatal
Y
Time
Afternoon
Species
Thought To Involve A 2.6 M [8.5'] White Shark
Recorded Attack #2
Area
New Jersey
Location
Lower Delaware Bay
Date
1907-08-08
Year
1907
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Wading
Name
George Kell
Sex
M
Age
N/A
Injury
Abrasion To Chest
Fatal
N
Time
N/A
Species
N/A
Recorded Attack #3
Area
New Jersey
Location
Barnegat Light, Ocean County
Date
1954-08-14
Year
1954
Type
Provoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Surf Fishing
Name
Lawrence Moody
Sex
M
Age
N/A
Injury
Right Leg Bitten When Chasing Shark From His Fishing Line Provoked Incident
Fatal
N
Time
N/A
Species
Sand Shark
Recorded Attack #4
Area
New Jersey
Location
Ocean City (Offshore)
Date
1923-01-01
Year
1923
Type
Provoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Hoisting Shark Aboard Fishing Boat
Name
Male
Sex
M
Age
N/A
Injury
Shark's Tail Broke His Leg. Provoked Incident
Fatal
N
Time
N/A
Species
N/A
Recorded Attack #5
Area
New Jersey
Location
Ocean City, Cape May County
Date
1980-07-27
Year
1980
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Body Surfing
Name
Jeff Moffat
Sex
M
Age
15
Injury
Back Bitten
Fatal
N
Time
15H00
Species
N/A
Recorded Attack #6
Area
New Jersey
Location
Off Ocean City, Cape May County
Date
1932-06-26
Year
1932
Type
Provoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Fishing
Name
Giacomo Giavanco
Sex
M
Age
N/A
Injury
Ankle Broken When 500-Lb Boated Shark Lashed Him With Its Tail Provoked Incident
Fatal
N
Time
N/A
Species
N/A
Recorded Attack #7
Area
New Jersey
Location
Bay Head, Ocean County
Date
2013-11-07
Year
2013
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Body Boarding
Name
Quinn Gates
Sex
M
Age
16
Injury
No Injury, Swim Fin Bitten
Fatal
N
Time
Afternoon
Species
N/A
Recorded Attack #8
Area
New Jersey
Location
Egg Harbor, Atlantic County
Date
2011-07-25
Year
2011
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Wade Fishing
Name
Eric Aubrey
Sex
M
Age
N/A
Injury
No Injury, Shark Bit Boot
Fatal
N
Time
Night
Species
N/A
Recorded Attack #9
Area
New Jersey
Location
Reeds Bay, Brigantine, Atlantic County
Date
1966-06-22
Year
1966
Type
Provoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Clamming
Name
Harry Hiksdal
Sex
M
Age
15.0
Injury
3 Lacerations On Right Leg By Speared Fish Provoked Incident
Fatal
N
Time
16H00
Species
Local 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
Area
New Jersey
Location
Ship Bottom, Ocean County
Date
2019-05-20
Year
2019
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Body Boarding
Name
Paul Sykes
Sex
M
Age
67.0
Injury
No Injury
Fatal
N
Time
N/A
Species
Shark Involvement Unconfirmed But Considered Probable
Recorded Attack #11
Area
New Jersey
Location
1 Mile Ese Of Navesink, Monmouth County
Date
1931-08-27
Year
1931
Type
Watercraft
Country
Usa
Activity
Fishing For Bluefish
Name
Boat, Occupants: Nels Jacobson & Franklin Harriman Covert
Sex
N/A
Age
N/A
Injury
No Injury To Occupants. Shark Chasing Fish Struck Boat
Fatal
N
Time
N/A
Species
N/A
Recorded Attack #12
Area
New Jersey
Location
Sandy Hook Bay, Highlands, Monmouth County
Date
N/A
Year
1886
Type
Provoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Netting Menhaden, Sharks Caught In Net
Name
Boat Of Captain Forman White
Sex
N/A
Age
N/A
Injury
No Injury, Sharks Ripped Net & Bit Boat Provoked Incident
Fatal
N
Time
N/A
Species
N/A
Recorded Attack #13
Area
New Jersey
Location
Shrewsbury River, Monmouth County
Date
1904-07-28
Year
1904
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Sailing
Name
Boat, 2 Occupants
Sex
M
Age
N/A
Injury
No Injury
Fatal
N
Time
N/A
Species
N/A
Recorded Attack #14
Area
New Jersey
Location
Absecon, Atlantic County
Date
1842-07-06
Year
1842
Type
Provoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Harassing A Shark
Name
Male
Sex
M
Age
N/A
Injury
Lacerations To Leg Provoked Incident
Fatal
N
Time
N/A
Species
N/A
Recorded Attack #15
Area
New Jersey
Location
Surf City, Long Beach Island, Ocean County
Date
2005-06-05
Year
2005
Type
Invalid
Country
Usa
Activity
Surfing
Name
Ryan Horton
Sex
M
Age
17
Injury
Dorsum Of Foot/Ankle Injured By Surfboard Skeg Or Other Inanimate Object.
Fatal
Unknown
Time
11H00
Species
Mr. 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
Area
New Jersey
Location
Matawan Creek, 10 Miles From The Sea, Monmouth County
Date
1916-07-12
Year
1916
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Swimming
Name
Lester Stillwell
Sex
M
Age
10.0
Injury
Fatal, Legs & Torso Bitten
Fatal
Y
Time
A.M.
Species
N/A
Recorded Attack #17
Area
New Jersey
Location
Bayonne, Hudson County
Date
1884-08-28
Year
1884
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Watercraft
Name
Edward Monroe
Sex
M
Age
N/A
Injury
Hand Bitten
Fatal
N
Time
N/A
Species
N/A
Recorded Attack #18
Area
New Jersey
Location
Seabright, Monmouth County
Date
1928-11-18
Year
1928
Type
Provoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Fishing
Name
Boat, Occupants: Captains Charles Anderson, Emit Lindberg & Oscar Benson
Sex
M
Age
N/A
Injury
Fishermen Were Cut & Bruised By Netted, Harpooned And Gaffed Sharks Provoked Incident
Fatal
N
Time
N/A
Species
Blue Nose Sharks
Recorded Attack #19
Area
New Jersey
Location
Sea Bright, Monmouth County
Date
1917-09-21
Year
1917
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Swimming, Towing An Empty Barrel
Name
Daniel Thompson, Lifeguard
Sex
M
Age
N/A
Injury
Left Knee Lacerated
Fatal
N
Time
N/A
Species
N/A
Recorded Attack #20
Area
New Jersey
Location
Lavalette, Ocean County
Date
1913-08-27
Year
1913
Type
Invalid
Country
Usa
Activity
N/A
Name
N/A
Sex
M
Age
N/A
Injury
Man's Leg Recovered From 800-Lb Shark
Fatal
Unknown
Time
N/A
Species
Shark Involvement Prior To Death Unconfirmed
Recorded Attack #21
Area
New Jersey
Location
Raritan Bay
Date
1895-08-02
Year
1895
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Fishing
Name
Elias Turner
Sex
M
Age
N/A
Injury
Arm Bitten
Fatal
N
Time
N/A
Species
N/A
Recorded Attack #22
Area
New Jersey
Location
Ventnor
Date
2017-07-23
Year
2017
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
N/A
Name
Isabella Smith
Sex
F
Age
N/A
Injury
Minor Injury To Hand
Fatal
N
Time
N/A
Species
Sandtiger Shark 2'
Recorded Attack #23
Area
New Jersey
Location
Long Branch, Monmouth County (Offshore)
Date
1936-07-12
Year
1936
Type
Watercraft
Country
Usa
Activity
Fishing For Bluefish
Name
22' Boat, Occupants: Saul White & Charles Dillione
Sex
N/A
Age
N/A
Injury
No Injury To Occupants, Shark Leapt Onboard Boat
Fatal
N
Time
15H00
Species
Blue Shark, 8' [2.4 M], 500-Lb
Recorded Attack #24
Area
New Jersey
Location
Off Longport, Atlantic County
Date
1891-08-29
Year
1891
Type
Provoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Shooting Sharks
Name
One Of The Crew Of The Schooner Mary C. Brown
Sex
M
Age
N/A
Injury
Survived, Provoked Incident
Fatal
N
Time
N/A
Species
N/A
Recorded Attack #25
Area
New Jersey
Location
Sandy Hook (Ocean Side), Monmouth County
Date
1931-08-06
Year
1931
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Swimming
Name
Soldier, A Private
Sex
M
Age
N/A
Injury
Survived
Fatal
N
Time
N/A
Species
N/A
Recorded Attack #26
Area
New Jersey
Location
Absecon, Atlantic County
Date
1842-07-13
Year
1842
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Swimming
Name
Male
Sex
M
Age
15
Injury
Lacerations To Leg
Fatal
N
Time
N/A
Species
N/A
Recorded Attack #27
Area
New Jersey
Location
Offshore, Between Mantoloking & Point Pleasant, Ocean County
Date
1932-08-10
Year
1932
Type
Provoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Fishing
Name
John Olsen
Sex
M
Age
N/A
Injury
Hooked Shark Gashed Right Leg Provoked Incident
Fatal
N
Time
N/A
Species
16' 800-Lb Shark
Recorded Attack #28
Area
New Jersey
Location
Seaside, Ocean County
Date
1926-08-24
Year
1926
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Swimming
Name
Charles A. Burke
Sex
M
Age
18.0
Injury
Fatal
Fatal
Y
Time
N/A
Species
N/A
Recorded Attack #29
Area
New Jersey
Location
Atlantic City, Atlantic County
Date
N/A
Year
1905
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Swimming From Naptha Launch After A Day Of Fishing
Name
George Wright
Sex
M
Age
N/A
Injury
3 Toes Of Right Foot Were Severed
Fatal
N
Time
N/A
Species
N/A
Recorded Attack #30
Area
New Jersey
Location
Sandy Hook Bay, Highlands, Monmouth County
Date
1829-06-10
Year
1829
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Fell Overboard From The Ship Gem
Name
Male
Sex
M
Age
N/A
Injury
Fatal
Fatal
Y
Time
Morning
Species
N/A
Recorded Attack #31
Area
New Jersey
Location
Stone Harbor, Cape May County
Date
2023-05-21
Year
2023
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Surfing
Name
Maggie Drozdowski
Sex
F
Age
15
Injury
Lacerations To Left Foot And Calf
Fatal
N
Time
15H00
Species
N/A
Recorded Attack #32
Area
New Jersey
Location
20 Miles Off Seabright
Date
1926-07-12
Year
1926
Type
Watercraft
Country
Usa
Activity
Fishing
Name
Boat, Occupants: Andrew Peterson & Peter Jergerson
Sex
M
Age
N/A
Injury
No Injury To Occupants
Fatal
N
Time
N/A
Species
Whiptail Shark (Thresher Shark?)
Recorded Attack #33
Area
New Jersey
Location
In Matawan Creek, Off Nj Clay Company Brickyards At Cliffwood, Monmouth County, 9.5 Miles From The Sea, Monmouth County
Date
1916-07-12
Year
1916
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Swimming
Name
John Dunn
Sex
M
Age
12.0
Injury
Lower Left Leg Bitten, Surgically Amputated
Fatal
N
Time
N/A
Species
Said To Involve A 2.7 M [9'] Shark
Recorded Attack #34
Area
New Jersey
Location
Atlantic City, Atlantic County
Date
1916-06-30
Year
1916
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Swimming
Name
Boy
Sex
M
Age
10 Or 12
Injury
Heel Bitten
Fatal
N
Time
N/A
Species
N/A
Recorded Attack #35
Area
New Jersey
Location
Sandy Hook, Monmouth County
Date
1975-10-21
Year
1975
Type
Invalid
Country
Usa
Activity
Surf Fishing
Name
N/A
Sex
M
Age
N/A
Injury
Tooth Marks In Left Leg
Fatal
Unknown
Time
11H30
Species
Shark Involvement Unconfirmed
Recorded Attack #36
Area
New Jersey
Location
Matawan Creek, 10 Miles From The Sea, Monmouth County
Date
1916-07-12
Year
1916
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Swimming (Recovering Remains Of Stilwell)
Name
Stanley Fisher
Sex
M
Age
24.0
Injury
Fatal, Thigh Bitten
Fatal
Y
Time
N/A
Species
3 M [10'] Shark
Recorded Attack #37
Area
New Jersey
Location
Steel Pier, Atlantic City, Atlantic County
Date
1965-08-26
Year
1965
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Swimming
Name
James Bloodworth, Jr.
Sex
M
Age
15.0
Injury
Right Thigh Lacerated
Fatal
N
Time
17H30
Species
N/A
Recorded Attack #38
Area
New Jersey
Location
Adventure Aquarium, Camden
Date
2009-12-05
Year
2009
Type
Provoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Diving
Name
Robert Large
Sex
M
Age
58
Injury
Lacerations & Puncture Wounds To Right Calf & Ankle When Diver Accidentally Backed Into The Shark Provoked Incident
Fatal
N
Time
13H00
Species
Sandtiger Shark, 8'
Recorded Attack #39
Area
New Jersey
Location
Atlantic City, Atlantic County
Date
1903-09-16
Year
1903
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Fishing
Name
Rev. John Mcmillan
Sex
M
Age
N/A
Injury
Lacerations To Right Arm & Shoulder
Fatal
N
Time
N/A
Species
9' Shark
Recorded Attack #40
Area
New Jersey
Location
50 Miles Offshore
Date
1935-06-18
Year
1935
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Fishing For Bluefish, Shark Leapt Into Dory
Name
Captain Manuel Chalor Of Fishing Trawler Nautilus
Sex
M
Age
31.0
Injury
Arm Lacerated By A Shark That Leapt Onto Boat
Fatal
N
Time
N/A
Species
4.6 M [15'] Shark
Recorded Attack #41
Area
New Jersey
Location
Sea Girt, Monmouth County
Date
1931-07-15
Year
1931
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Swimming
Name
Soldier In Nj National Guard
Sex
M
Age
N/A
Injury
Nipped On Leg
Fatal
N
Time
N/A
Species
N/A
Recorded Attack #42
Area
New Jersey
Location
10 Miles Offshore From Sea Isle City, Cape May County
Date
1932-06-28
Year
1932
Type
Provoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Fishing
Name
Antonio Fonzzo
Sex
M
Age
32.0
Injury
Knee Bitten By Boated Shark Provoked Incident
Fatal
N
Time
N/A
Species
250-Lb Dog Shark
Recorded Attack #43
Area
New Jersey
Location
Tutle Back Zoo
Date
2022-04-09
Year
2022
Type
Provoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Feeding Sharks & Stingrays
Name
Female
Sex
F
Age
12.0
Injury
Finger Nipped By Captive Shark Provoked Incident
Fatal
N
Time
Afternoon
Species
Epaulette Shark
Recorded Attack #44
Area
New Jersey
Location
Manasquan, Ocean County
Date
1962-08-12
Year
1962
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Standing
Name
Michael Roman
Sex
M
Age
24.0
Injury
Left Thigh & Hand Bitten
Fatal
N
Time
14H00 - 15H00
Species
1.8 M [6'] Shark
Recorded Attack #45
Area
New Jersey
Location
Sea Girt, Monmouth County
Date
1960-08-21
Year
1960
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Standing In Knee-Deep Water
Name
John Brodeur
Sex
M
Age
24.0
Injury
Lower Right Leg Bitten, Surgically Amputated 10 Days Later
Fatal
N
Time
16H00
Species
N/A
Recorded Attack #46
Area
New Jersey
Location
Brielle, Monmouth County (Offshore)
Date
1941-07-22
Year
1941
Type
Watercraft
Country
Usa
Activity
Fishing For Tuna
Name
Fishing Boat Bingo Iii , Occupants: Michael Perkins, George Hornack & Capt. Lonergan
Sex
N/A
Age
N/A
Injury
No Injury To Occupants, Shark Leapt Into Boat & Bit Cabin Door
Fatal
N
Time
12H00
Species
Mako Shark
Recorded Attack #47
Area
New Jersey
Location
Sea Bright, Monmouth County
Date
1923-01-01
Year
1923
Type
Watercraft
Country
Usa
Activity
Fishing
Name
Boat, Occupant: Richard Rodney
Sex
M
Age
N/A
Injury
No Injury To Occupant Shark Struck Boat
Fatal
N
Time
N/A
Species
N/A
Recorded Attack #48
Area
New Jersey
Location
Off Normandie-By-The-Sea, Monmouth County
Date
1890-08-17
Year
1890
Type
Provoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Fishing For Bluefish
Name
A Charter Fishing Boat With James Whiteside And His Party
Sex
N/A
Age
N/A
Injury
No Injury To Occupants. Hooked Shark Damaged Boat Provoked Incident
Fatal
N
Time
N/A
Species
5'7 Shark
Recorded Attack #49
Area
New Jersey
Location
Shrewsbury River, Highlands, Monmouth County
Date
1886-08-01
Year
1886
Type
Watercraft
Country
Usa
Activity
Clamming
Name
John Parker & Edward Matthews
Sex
M
Age
N/A
Injury
No Injury. They Were Chased By Three Sharks, One Of Which Rammed Their Boat
Fatal
N
Time
N/A
Species
3 M [10'] Sharks
Recorded Attack #50
Area
New Jersey
Location
Ocean City, Cape May County
Date
1960-08-30
Year
1960
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Swimming 3 Miles Offshore
Name
Richard Chung
Sex
M
Age
25.0
Injury
Right Leg Severely Lacerated
Fatal
N
Time
17H15
Species
N/A
Recorded Attack #51
Area
New Jersey
Location
Ocean City (Offshore)
Date
1923-01-01
Year
1922
Type
Provoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Hoisting Shark Aboard Fishing Boat
Name
Male
Sex
M
Age
N/A
Injury
Shark's Tail Broke His Leg. Provoked Incident
Fatal
N
Time
N/A
Species
N/A
Recorded Attack #52
Area
New Jersey
Location
Spring Lake, Monmouth County
Date
1913-08-27
Year
1913
Type
Invalid
Country
Usa
Activity
N/A
Name
N/A
Sex
F
Age
N/A
Injury
Female Foot Recovered From Shark
Fatal
Unknown
Time
N/A
Species
Shark Involvement Prior To Death Unconfirmed
Recorded Attack #53
Area
New Jersey
Location
Shrewsbury River, Highlands, Monmouth County
Date
N/A
Year
1886
Type
Watercraft
Country
Usa
Activity
N/A
Name
Boat, Occupants: 4 Men
Sex
M
Age
N/A
Injury
Shark Attacked Boat, Shark Killed & Towed To Shore
Fatal
N
Time
N/A
Species
Shark Was Said To “Have A Very Rough ½”-Thick Skin”
Recorded Attack #54
Area
New Jersey
Location
Seaside Park, Ocean County
Date
1960-08-22
Year
1960
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
N/A
Name
Thomas Mcdonald
Sex
M
Age
14.0
Injury
Knee Ripped To Bone
Fatal
N
Time
N/A
Species
N/A
Recorded Attack #55
Area
New Jersey
Location
Off Shore
Date
1928-08-24
Year
1928
Type
Invalid
Country
Usa
Activity
N/A
Name
Male
Sex
M
Age
N/A
Injury
Thumb & Coat Sleeve Recovered From Shark's Gut
Fatal
Unknown
Time
N/A
Species
7' Shark
Recorded Attack #56
Area
New Jersey
Location
Beach Haven, Ocean County
Date
1916-07-01
Year
1916
Type
Unprovoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Swimming
Name
Charles E. Vansant
Sex
M
Age
24.0
Injury
Fatal, Left Leg Bitten
Fatal
Y
Time
17H00
Species
Thought To Involve A 2.6 M [8.5'] White Shark
Recorded Attack #57
Area
New Jersey
Location
Atlantic City, Atlantic County
Date
1902-07-06
Year
1902
Type
Provoked
Country
Usa
Activity
Swimming
Name
Harry M. Speerman
Sex
M
Age
N/A
Injury
Shark Bit His Left Arm After He Grabbed Its Tail Provoked Incident
Fatal
N
Time
N/A
Species
N/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