2015 was the worst year on record for unprovoked shark attacks on humans. There were 98 attacks, six of which resulted in someone dying. Attacks on humans are still very rare and there are steps you can take to stay safe.
With just a few killings a year, however, sharks could be seen as lovely pets when compared to dogs (causing 25,000 deaths), or crocodiles (1,000 reported cases).
There was a terrible exception once though. The worst shark attack in history happened to the crew of the U.S. ship ‘Indianapolis’ in 1945. The ship sank in twelve minutes and after four days spent in the water only 317 of the ship’s original 1,196-man crew remained. Estimates of the number who died from shark attacks range from a few dozen to almost 150.
So, statistics tell us watch your neighbour rather than a fin above the water next time you’re swimming in the sea.
Helgi Library 
