When Sharks Attack

Beneath the still serenity of the Atlantic coastline lurks a dark danger in the safe, calm waters of the North Carolina and Virginia beaches.

A spike in shark attacks hits Maui, Hawaii that is three times more than the average, leading scientists and officials wondering when they will strike next.

The Gulf of Mexico's many species of sharks are normally docile and not uncommon for locals and tourists to spot, but in 2005 shark attacks along the coast exploded to more than five times the average.

Despite its fame as the filming location for the infamous movie “Jaws,” Cape Cod has long been a peaceful tourist destination with no shark attacks in nearly 80 years. In 2012, all that changed. With shark experts Dr. Greg Skomal and Dr. Dan Huber, discover the fascinating and unique circumstances that created a predator nightmare, including four attacks and 600 sightings within four years.

The Bahamas is a nation of 700 islands with some of the most biodiverse marine life in the world. Despite being home to 40 species of shark, attacks on humans are unusual. But in 2002, the number of vicious encounters tripled and 36 people were left maimed or dead. What has caused this terrifying spike and turned this paradise into a hell?

The Carolina coast boasts 500 miles of safe sandy beaches, making it a premiere tourist destination. But in 2015, this family vacation hotspot became a shark attack hell. Day after day, adults and children had dangerous encounters, eventually totaling an unprecedented 16 victims. Limbs were lost, lives were changed, and we are on a mission to figure out why.