Sharks are considered to be one of the ocean’s top predators, and they certainly have the power to take down a boat if they so desire.
Sharks are notorious for attacking boats, but the truth is that this behavior is quite rare and usually only occurs when someone is swimming in close proximity to a shark.
Out of all the predators in the ocean, sharks are perhaps the least likely to attack a human-occupied boat.
However, there is actually very little evidence to support the claim that sharks actually prey on humans in significant numbers.
Shark attacks are very rare. In this article we will explore Do Sharks Attack Boats?
Do Sharks Attack Boats?
Sharks are generally not interested in attacking boats, and instances of such attacks are rare.
Sharks are more likely to attack prey that they can catch and eat, such as fish and marine mammals.
Boats are not a natural part of a shark’s diet, and they are not typically a target for sharks.
Sharks are known to investigate objects that are unfamiliar to them, including boats, as part of their natural curiosity and scavenging behavior.
In some cases, this can involve bumping the object with their head or biting it gently.
For example, In April 2022, a great white shark circled a boat off Mandurah in Western Australia for more than an hour, biting its motor multiple times.
However these actions are usually not aggressive and are not intended to cause harm.
Sharks are generally more interested in finding food and are not typically motivated to attack inanimate objects like boats.
It is always a good idea to be cautious when entering the water, especially in areas known to have sharks.
However, the risk of being attacked by a shark while on a boat is generally considered to be very low.
Sharks Involved in Boat Attack
There are several species of sharks that have been known to attack boats or interact aggressively with humans in the water.
Some examples of these species include:
Great White Shark
The great white shark is perhaps the most well-known and feared species of shark due to its large size and reputation for attacking humans.
Great whites have been known to attack boats, although this is relatively rare.
Bull Shark
Bull sharks are known for their aggressive behavior and have been responsible for a number of attacks on humans, including attacks on boats.
They are found in shallow, coastal waters and are capable of swimming in both saltwater and freshwater.
In March 2018 Carl Torresson was on a 40ft fishing boat attacked by an angry bull shark.
Tiger Shark
Tiger sharks are another species that is known for its aggressive behavior and have been responsible for a number of attacks on humans.
They are found in tropical and subtropical waters and are known to attack boats and humans.
Lemon Shark
Lemon sharks are generally not aggressive towards humans, but they have been known to attack boats and humans on occasion.
They are found in tropical and subtropical waters and are known for their yellow-brown coloring.
It’s important to note that shark attacks on boats are relatively rare and that most sharks do not pose a threat to humans.
It is necessary to be aware of your surroundings and to take precautions when swimming or diving in areas where sharks may be present.
Why Do Sharks Attack a Boat?
There are several possible reasons why a shark might attack a boat:
Mistaken Identity
It is possible for a shark to attack a boat due to mistaken identity. Sharks have poor eyesight and rely on their sense of smell and the vibrations they detect through their lateral line to locate prey.
They may mistake a boat for a seal or other prey animal, particularly if the boat is moving erratically or if there are fish or other food sources nearby.
In these cases, the shark may attack the boat in an attempt to feed on what it perceives as prey.
Curiosity
Sharks may attack a boat out of curiosity. Sharks are naturally curious animals and may approach a boat to investigate a potential food source or simply to get a better sense of what the boat is.
In some cases, they may nudge or bump the boat with their snout as a means of exploration.
While these types of encounters are generally not aggressive or hostile, it’s important to remember that sharks are wild animals and can be unpredictable.
Defense
Sharks may attack a boat as a means of defense. If a shark feels threatened or startled, it may attack in order to protect itself.
This can happen if a boat comes too close to the shark or if the shark feels trapped or restricted in its movement.
It’s important to remember that sharks are wild animals and can be unpredictable.
If you encounter a shark while boating, it is generally best to maintain a safe distance and avoid making any sudden or aggressive movements that might be perceived as threatening.
Territorial behavior
Sharks attack a boat due to territorial behavior. Some sharks are known to be territorial and may attack a boat if it intrudes on their territory.
This is most likely to occur in areas where sharks have established feeding or mating grounds, or in areas where they have a strong presence.
FAQs
Can a shark jump on a boat?
It is rare for a shark to jump on a boat, but it is possible for them to do so if they are motivated and able to build up enough momentum.
Sharks are strong and agile swimmers, and some species are capable of leaping out of the water to a limited extent.
However, it is more common for sharks to bump or nudge a boat with their snout, particularly if they are investigating a potential food source or are attracted to the vibrations in the water.
Do sharks get hit by ships?
It is possible for sharks to get hit by ships, particularly in areas with high shipping traffic. Sharks are large, powerful animals and are generally capable of avoiding most obstacles in their environment.
However, they may not always be able to detect or avoid a ship moving at high speeds, particularly if the ship is large and the shark is distracted by other stimuli such as prey.
Collisions with ships can be deadly for sharks, as they can cause significant injury or trauma to the animal. In some cases, sharks may become entangled in the ship’s propellers or other underwater structures, which can further increase the risk of injury or death.
Can A Shark Take Down A Boat?
It is possible for a shark to damage a boat by biting or ramming it, but it is unlikely that a shark would be able to completely take down a boat. Sharks do not typically attack boats and are not generally interested in human-made objects like boats.
Sharks are more likely to attack boats if they mistake them for prey or if they feel threatened by the boat. This is more likely to happen with smaller boats, such as kayaks or canoes, because they are closer to the size of a shark’s natural prey.
If a shark does attack a boat, it is important for the people on board to remain calm and try to get away from the shark as safely and quickly as possible.
Why does a shark circling a boat?
There could be a number of reasons why a shark might circle a boat. Sharks are often attracted to boats because they are looking for food, and the movement of the boat or the presence of people on board could be mistaken for prey.
Sharks may also circle boats to investigate them or to protect their territory.
In some cases, a shark might circle a boat because it is attracted to the smells or vibrations coming from the boat.
For example : A huge great white shark circled a fishing boat covered in blood as camera footage was captured off the coast of San Diego, USA.
Do Sharks follow boats?
It is not uncommon for sharks to follow boats, but they are not typically doing so with the intention of attacking the boat or its occupants.
Sharks are often attracted to boats because they are looking for food, and the movement of the boat or the presence of people on board could be mistaken for prey.
References
- Sukheja, B. (2022, August 24). Video: Great White Shark Circles Around Boat In Bloody Water, Internet Calls It A “Monster”. NDTV.com. Retrieved December 24, 2022, from https://www.ndtv.com/offbeat/video-great-white-shark-circles-around-boat-in-bloody-water-internet-calls-it-a-monster-3281879
- Tarrant, H. (2018, November 4). Shark Senses. The Shark Trust. Retrieved December 24, 2022, from https://www.sharktrust.org/shark-senses
- WA family’s close encounter with a great white shark. (2022, April 20). 9News. Retrieved December 24, 2022, from https://www.9news.com.au/national/shark-wa-family-circled-by-great-white-australia-news/f9dfb74a-d51a-4277-9c17-bc928a1dbc27
- White, R., Meckler, M., Faris, D., Harrop, F., & Perry, D. (2022, June 28). Jaws v. Boats: Why Do Some Great White and Bull Sharks Attack? Newsweek. Retrieved December 24, 2022, from https://www.newsweek.com/jaws-vs-boats-great-white0bull-sharks-attack-1718903
