The majority of the twenty-two fatal shark attacks that have been documented in American seas since 2003 have taken place off the shores of Hawaii and California, according to a map that is based on event reports.
With nine confirmed cases in the last 20 years, Hawaii is first among U.S. states for deadly contact with marine predators. The Pacific region surrounding California has documented eight cases, while Florida has reported two. This lines up with where shark attacks have happened in the past.
On December 30th, in murky waters off Maui, Hawaii, the most recent deadly shark attack was documented. A man from Haiku (39) was hurt near the Pa’ia beach just after 11 a.m. local time, according to the island’s police force.
According to Maui police, the man was rescued by ocean safety officials who brought him to shore by jet ski. He was treated for first aid before being sent to an island hospital. Subsequently, he died from his wounds. After notifying his family, the victim was named Jason Carter on the Maui County website the next day.
According to the eyewitness, the animal looked like a Tiger Shark.
According to Oceana, with a weight of 2000 pounds and a length of at least 18 feet, the tiger shark is the second-largest predatory shark, second only to the great white shark.
Reports reveal that although fatal shark attacks on Atlantic Coast swimmers are very uncommon, they do occur, mostly involving attacks on those swimming in the Pacific or Gulf of Mexico.
The first known fatal shark attack in Maine happened in July 2020, around twenty yards off the coast of Bailey Island.
In September 2018, a man was injured at Newcomb Hollow Beach on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and later died in a hospital from his injuries.
In September 2009, the Whale Head Bay region, North Carolina, had its lone shark attack in the previous 20 years. The victim died from his wounds.
Fortunately, not every shark attack ends in death. A 9-year-old child from North Carolina managed to escape after getting bitten on the shoulder in August 2023. A surfer from California was bitten on the leg in October, but luckily, his injuries were not life-threatening.