British waters are home to more than 40 different species of shark, including the world’s second largest fish: the great basking shark.

This is the species most likely to be seen off the coast of England, but how rare are shark attacks?

What sharks are in British waters?

More than 40 different species of shark pass through British waters, but only 21 of them can be found year-round.

The Porbeagle is one of the most common types of shark seen by British fishermen.

Its distinctive dorsal fin and long, strong body are some of the characteristics that make the creature resemble a great white shark.

Fortunately, there has never been a confirmed case of a porbeagle killing a human, as the predator eats the smaller fish.

The basking shark is another species of frequent concern in British waters.

They are the second largest fish species, after the whale shark.

Although the creature can grow up to ten meters long and has enormous jaws, it is absolutely impossible to attack while eating plankton.

Blue sharks can also be found in British waters, but they are only seasonal visitors.

How common are shark attacks worldwide and in the UK?

Every year, about 70 shark attacks are reported worldwide, and only a small percentage are fatal.

Since there are more than 480 different species of shark, this is a relatively small number.

There were 81 publicly reported and verified shark attack bites in 2021, according to Tracing Sharks, nine of which were fatal.

Only three sharks are thought to have carried out unprovoked attacks on humans: the great white shark, the tiger and the bull.

Shark attack rates use different criteria to determine whether an attack was “provoked” or “unprovoked.”

When a human touches or disturbs a shark before the creature retaliates, it is known as a “provoked attack”.

“Unprovoked attacks” initiated by sharks: occur in the natural habitat of sharks on living humans and without human provocation.

There are three types of unprovoked attacks:

• Hit and run: This is the term used to describe the most common type of shark attack, which fortunately does not result in fatal injury. In this case, the shark bites its victim and leaves, usually because the creature mistook the swimmer for its natural prey.

• Hide: These attacks are usually fatal, but are very rare. In this case, the creature will injure and bite an unsuspecting victim with the intent to eat it.

• Hit and bite: This attack is typical of the great white shark, where the shark will surround its victim before biting and coming back.

Experts have warned that the number of attacks will increase due to environmental initiatives to protect seals, an important part of the shark diet.

However, some feel that seals are now proving to be a real danger to humans as they attract large numbers of sharks closer to shore.

James Sulikowski, a northeastern shark researcher at Arizona State University, said: “They’re not looking for us. We are not on the menu.

“But as these predator-prey relationships continue, and because they are so coastal, there is the potential for increased interactions with humans.”

Has a great white shark been seen off the coast of England?

A “great white shark” is believed to have been spotted hiding off the coast of England in February 2022.

An experienced shark fisherman said the creature spotted near the beach at Goring-by-Sea in West Sussex was “obviously a shark” and could become “a small and immature great white” in search of food.

Ocearch scientists are planning an expedition for September 2022, hoping to prove that great white sharks frequent British shores.

However, since this shark prefers warmer waters, it is very unlikely that you will find it in British waters.

Typically, the Great White can be found in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, as well as the Mediterranean Sea.

In February 2022, Simon Nellist, 35, from the UK, was killed by a shark just 150m from the beach at Buchan Point, near Little Bay in Sydney, in the first fatal attack in nearly 60 years.

He was mauled to death by a 15-foot-tall great white shark in an “extremely rare” attack while practicing swimming in the ocean for charity.

Expert Lawrence Chlebeck said the ferocious shark likely mistook the swimmer, who was reportedly wearing a wetsuit, for a seal when he lunged and attacked the Briton.