Jersey Shore Shark Attacks of 1916

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During the Jersey Shore Shark Attacks of 1916 between July 1 and July 12, 1916, along 80 miles of New Jersey coastline, five swimmers were attacked by at least one shark, resulting in the deaths of three men and one boy and survival of one youth.

These individuals were:

• Charles Van Sant, 23
• Charles Bruder, 27
• Lester Stillwell, 12
• W. Stanley Fisher, 24 (killed by the shark after diving into the water in an attempt to save Lester Stillwell)
• Joseph Dunn, 12-year-old survivor (lost a limb)

In recent years, most researchers have come to the conclusion that these attacks were most likely caused by a bull shark; however, some have suggested a Great White Shark could also have been the responsible species. Of course, since these were multiple attacks, more than one species may have been involved. [link](URL last accessed July 16, 2006)

Some contemporary accounts referred to the attacking creature as a "Seawolf", although technically a seawolf is a different type of fish.

These attacks were the inspiration for the book and movie, Jaws (1975).

In 2004, a TV-movie based upon these events called 12 Days of Terror was made by Jack Sholder.

Notes

See also

• List of fatal, unprovoked shark attacks in the United States by decade

External links

• [A detailed account of the attacks]
• [NJ History Mysteries: Matawan Shark Attack]

 

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