Historical Shark Attacks In Society Islands, French Polynesia

The Society Islands in French Polynesia are a beautiful spot known for their clear water and soft, sandy beaches.

This group of islands is made up of lovely places like Tahiti, Bora, Moore, and Hushing, each with its own mix of natural beauty and lively culture.

On these islands, visitors can do many water activities like exploring coral reefs while snorkeling or diving and relaxing on quiet beaches with palm trees.

The warm water is great for swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking, creating a perfect place for water sports lovers.

Though the Society Islands have diverse marine life, which includes colorful fish and reefs, some areas may have sharks.

However, shark encounters in these waters are not common and mostly involve non-threatening types like blacktop reef sharks or lemon sharks.

Local officials and tour guides take steps to keep swimmers and water sports enthusiasts safe, giving visitors the chance to appreciate the islands' marine life with confidence.

beach photo

Understanding our data at Society Islands

In our comprehensive overview of society islands, 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

AreaSociety Islands
LocationTahiti
Date1968-08-13
Year1968
TypeUnprovoked
CountryFrench Polynesia
ActivitySwimming
NameBlake Tenville
SexM
Age12
InjuryFinger Severed
FatalN
TimeN/A
SpeciesN/A

Recorded Attack #2

AreaSociety Islands
LocationTapu, A Dive Site On The Outer Reefs Of Bora Bora
Date2013-02-09
Year2013
TypeUnprovoked
CountryFrench Polynesia
ActivityScuba Diving
NameZohar Kritzer
SexM
Age48
InjuryLacerations To Right Arm & Thigh
FatalN
Time09H00 - 09H30
SpeciesLemon Shark
beach photo

Recorded Attack #3

AreaSociety Islands
LocationHuahine
Date2014-02-20
Year2014
TypeUnprovoked
CountryFrench Polynesia
ActivityKitesurfing
NameMale
SexM
Age21
InjuryLacerations To Lower Leg
FatalN
Time16H00
SpeciesBlacktip Reef Shark

Recorded Attack #4

AreaSociety Islands
LocationMoorea
DateN/A
Year2003
TypeUnprovoked
CountryFrench Polynesia
ActivitySpearfishing
NameMale
SexM
AgeN/A
InjuryLeg Bitten
FatalN
TimeN/A
SpeciesN/A
beach photo

Recorded Attack #5

AreaSociety Islands
LocationTeahupoo, Tahiti
Date2011-08-16
Year2011
TypeUnprovoked
CountryFrench Polynesia
ActivitySurfing
NameAdam 'Biff' D'Esposito
SexM
Age32
InjuryNo Injury, Board Bitten
FatalN
Time15H30
SpeciesGrey Reef Shark

Recorded Attack #6

AreaSociety Islands
LocationTahiti
Date1966-06-02
Year1966
TypeProvoked
CountryFrench Polynesia
ActivityFishing
NameFaarei Tuhei
SexM
AgeN/A
InjuryArm Lacerated By Netted Shark Provoked Incident
FatalN
TimeAfternoon
SpeciesN/A
beach photo

Recorded Attack #7

AreaSociety Islands
LocationTahiti
Date2008-02-21
Year2008
TypeUnprovoked
CountryFrench Polynesia
ActivitySpearfishing
NameApia Hauta
SexM
Age26
InjuryLacerations To Face
FatalN
TimeN/A
SpeciesN/A

Recorded Attack #8

AreaSociety Islands
LocationTahiti
Date1834-07-15
Year1834
TypeUnprovoked
CountryFrench Polynesia
ActivitySwimming
NameKaugatava Orurutm
SexF
AgeN/A
InjuryFatal
FatalY
TimeN/A
SpeciesReported To Involve A Hammerhead Shark
beach photo

Recorded Attack #9

AreaSociety Islands
LocationTetiaroa
Date2002-11-01
Year2002
TypeUnprovoked
CountryFrench Polynesia
ActivityFishing, Standing In 2' Of Water
NameScott Heywood
SexM
Age52
InjuryShin Bruised
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 North China, China
Historical Shark Attacks In New Smyrna Beach
Historical Shark Attacks In Bethel Shoals Beach
Historical Shark Attacks In Isle Of Man, United Kingdom
Historical Shark Attacks In Avalon State Park Beach