there have been 82 recorded shark attacks in south australia since the establishment of the colony in 1836. 20 of those have involved a single fatality. victims were involved in a range of aquatic activities, including surfing, diving, spear-fishing, snorkeling, boating and swimming. six of the fatalities occurred off the coast of greater metropolitan adelaide, with the remainder distributed across south australia's extensive coastline. many of the fatal attacks have been attributed to great white sharks.