There are as many as 100 shark attacks annually resulting in as many as 15 deaths, but not all shark attacks are reported, so there are likely many more. Naturally most attacks occur in near-shore water, because obviously, that is where the swimmers are, so this is a slightly skewed sample.
There are three different types of unprovoked attacks. A 'hit and run' occurs when a victim does not see the shark coming and it leaves immediately after inflicting a single bite. This is the most common because sharks may often mistake a human for there normal prey, and realizing they are mistaken, they take off. The next is called a 'bump and bite' attack. The victims of these attacks are typically divers. The shark bumps the swimmer prior to the attack as a sort of warning for the human to get out of their territory. After circling the victim, the shark moves in to attack. Finally is the 'sneak' attack, for which there is no pattern.
