A woman from Yorke Peninsula is recovering after a rare and aggressive encounter with an eagle ray, which left a 15-centimetre barb embedded in her arm, narrowly avoiding an artery. Pam Bennett was part of a research team studying the effects of an algae bloom along the South Australian coastline when she was struck shortly after entering the water.
Bennett described the sensation as similar to a dog bite, stating that the sharp pain did not manifest immediately. She later required emergency treatment at the Royal Adelaide Hospital due to the injury. Despite the ordeal, Bennett reassured observers that she was doing well, aside from experiencing some discomfort in her arm.
Dr Mike Bossley, a marine biologist who was present during the incident, commented on the unusual aggression displayed by the eagle ray, suggesting it may be connected to the ongoing algae bloom affecting local waters. He witnessed one eagle ray attack Bennett and another incident where a ray lashed out at him—though he managed to escape unharmed.
Explaining the current environmental situation, Dr Bossley noted that the warmer waters are likely contributing to the algae bloom, which can suffocate marine creatures by clogging their gills and depriving them of oxygen. He remarked that his extensive experience over 50 years of snorkelling and diving had never included such a striking encounter.
This incident occurred just a day after a dead great white shark was found on nearby Henley Beach, raising further alarm about marine life in the area. The Department of Primary Industries is currently investigating the effects of the algae bloom. Bossley believes that the situation may only improve with natural weather events, such as a strong storm that would disperse the bloom.
In summary, the unusual attack on Pam Bennett highlights the potential impact of environmental changes on marine behaviour and raises concerns over the health of local ecosystems.