Record number of shark attacks reported

The highest number of shark attacks on humans since records began were reported last year.

A total of 79 attacks - 10 of them fatal - were recorded around the world.

The US had the most with 51 attacks, 34 of which occurred in Florida, according to the report by the Orlando-based International Shark Attack File.

Australia had seven attacks, South Africa five, and the Bahamas four, according to the organisation, which has been keeping records for 40 years.

Three of the fatal attacks occurred in Australia, two in Tanzania and one each in Fiji, Japan, Florida, New Guinea, and New Caledonia, the French island territory in the South Pacific.

Only 58 attacks were reported worldwide in 1999.

Even though there are fewer sharks than 20 years ago, more people are spending longer hours in the water and a growing number of tourists are swimming in exotic, unfamiliar locations, contributing to the jump in attacks, an ISAF spokesman said.

Sharks rarely attack people, but they sometimes mistake humans for fish or other prey.

"A shark comes in and is looking for prey. It bites, doesn't recognise the taste and keeps on going," said Gary Violetta, curator at SeaWorld Orlando.

"There is a much better chance of getting struck by lightning than being attacked by a shark."

People who come under attack should kick, punch or try to jab the shark in the eyes or gills.