Shark attack

A man was reportedly killed after being attacked by a 20-foot shark in Australia.

The 26-year-old deckhand was snorkeling with other passengers on the boat when the attack happened. Police are investigating the incident and attempting to recover the body.

Although there have been quite a few reports of shark attacks in the news in recent months, the actual number of fatalities from shark attacks are much lower than one would imagine.

In the 20 years prior to the beginning of 2003, there have been 24 deaths recorded (in Australia) as a result of shark attacks and 58 deaths in the last 50 years.

Of course, not all shark attacks are fatal. According to statistics, about one third result in the death of a victim.

Many sharks are harmless and most of the attacks come from The Bull shark, Tiger, Great White and Whitetip shark. Much of the fear has perhaps been increased by films like "Jaws".