A new study has revealed how dangerous Austalia’s coastline is compared to the rest of the world.
Researchers from the International Shark Attack File recorded 73 unprovoked attacks worldwide last year, up from 52 people bitten in 2020.
A total of 12 fatal shark attacks were recorded in Australia in 2021, well above the annual global average of five deaths per year.
But compare this to the last five-year average of 16 incidents and it’s slightly lower.
Australia led the world with the number of unprovoked deaths in 2021, recording three.
New South Wales was considered the most shark active state with more than 265 incidents in the last 300 years.
Long-term trends showed a decreasing number of annual fatalities with six attacks in New South Wales, two of which were fatal, four in Western Australia, one of which was fatal, and just one in both Queensland and Victoria.
Among the attacks in NSW, proud husband and dad-to-be Timothy Thompson was killed on Father’s Day.
Timothy was surfing at Shelley Beach north of Coffs Harbour when his arm was mauled by a great white shark.
The 31-year-old was pulled to shore by nearby surfers and given CPR.
Tragically Mr Thompson died at the scene leaving his pregnant wife behind.
Mr Thompsons wife Kate Thompson wrote about her heartbreak and promised to tell her baby how caring and loved her husband was.
“The last thing Tim said to me before he walked out that door for the last time was, ‘I love you two’. He kissed me and my tummy goodbye.” she wrote.
“I hope Timmy is up there doing what he loves: surfing the best barrels and watching over us.”
