| The
regions and countries that surround the Indian Ocean have suffered
relatively few shark attacks considering the warmth of the waters, with
the exception of the Persian Gulf and the Ganges Delta. The pearl beds
at Ra's Attanñurah in Saudi Arabia have suffered many fatal attacks, as
has the river complex at the head of the Persian Gulf. The Kuran River
that flows through Iran into this area has had fatal attacks reported as
far upstream as 150km (93 miles). This is probably the work of the Bull
shark, which is known to often enter rivers and freshwater lakes. The
Bull shark is also the prime candidate for the many attacks, again often
fatal, that have occurred in the Ganges Delta, that sits between the
borders of India and |
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Bangladesh.
In 1880, 20 people were reported as having been attacked in the Hooghly
River, that flows into this Delta. The Ganges River attracts many
pilgrims, due to its religious qualities, which have in turn fallen
victim to sharks. While the Bull shark is now known to be responsible
for the majority of these attacks, the lesser known Ganges shark- Glyphis
gangeticus was often blamed. |