This day in New Jersey history: the 1916 shark attacks This is the time of year when there are frequent shark sightings off the Jersey Shore and we all know that incredibly few people are ever attacked, but, for one summer, in 1916, terror gripped the shore as four people were killed and one injured by shark attacks between July 1-12. The first attack was in Beach Haven where a 23 year old Philadelphia man, Charles Vansant was attacked while swimming. A lifeguard pulled him to the shore, but he bled to death from a wound in his thigh where the shark had bitten him; he died in the lobby of the Engleside Hotel.