Being able to pinpoint the most dangerous shark in the world can be based on two approaches. One would be the number of deaths caused by a shark species, or two would be the most deadly and violent attacks by any shark. Data on these sharks, which is probably also
the endangered species list for sharks, comes from the International Shark Attack File or the ISAF. This group focuses on shark attacks from the endangered species list and the kinds of shark attacks that are unprovoked by humans. In short, attacks that come out of nowhere and occur in the sharks’ natural habitat.
Topping the list of dangerous sharks is the white shark, also known as the Carcharodon Carcharias shark with 373 known attacks. This is followed by the tiger shark with 137, and the bull shark with 88. However, according to ISAF, these are not the most dangerous of all sharks. It is the Oceanic White Tip shark which has trigger-sensitive alarms that can detect movement a mile away. They swim very fast and can reach prey in minutes. However, since they live in deep waters, they do attacks swimmers or divers.
When the USS Indianapolis attack by a Japanese submarine happened in 1945 in the Philippines seas, almost 900 men ended up in the water. Off these men, only 317 survived. The others either died from drowning, dehydration, or the attacks from the White Tip.
ISAF also reports that shark attacks come in 3 forms. They are the “hit and run,” “bump and bite,” and the “sneak attack.” From 1580 to 2007, total deaths from unprovoked shark attacks are 471; 38 of which occurred in the US and 135 in Australia. From 1990 to 2007, Australia again leads with 19 deaths and 4 from Florida. Others happened in Brazil and South Africa.
The Red Triangle which is off the coast of the northern side of California and end in Monterey Bay has been termed “Bloody Triangle.” This is because of the shark infested waters for great whites. They live there because it is where they find their food. For surfers who love to go there, part of the thrill of surfers is knowing there are sharks lurking around.
Reference: Illustrated Encyclopedia of endangered animals.
