| This map clearly shows that there have been relatively few recorded attacks in and around the Mediterranean sea, even though there are some dangerous species found here and considering that there are thousands of coastal/beach resorts frequented by millions of tourists each year. Another surprising fact is that the Mediterranean, especially around Malta and Sicily, is home to one of the largest Great White shark breeding grounds in the world, with possibly the largest measured specimen at 23 feet, being caught off the coast of Malta in 1987. | |
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A notable difference of the Mediterranean Great Whites to that of the rest of the world, is that dolphins appear to replace the seal as a major part of their diet. If the theory of mistaken identity is true, where Great Whites 'investigate' surfers, divers etc. because they look like seals, this may be part of the reason for such a low attack rate in these waters (i.e. it is difficult to imagine a swimmer being mistaken for a dolphin). It is also worth noting that the two attacks in British waters, involved fishermen with sharks they had caught. Of the forty three or so recorded attacks, 90 % of |
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these have occurred in the warm summer months between July and September when most people take their holidays. The only other significant fact of European attacks, is that over 50% have proved fatal, compared to the world average of around 15%.This may, in large, be due to the Great White being confirmed as the attacking species in over 50% of reported incidences. Although attacks have occurred along the Mediterranean coastline of Africa, these have been included on the African Attacks map instead. |
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