A Yorke Peninsula woman is recovering from an unusual and aggressive eagle ray attack after a 15cm barb pierced her arm, barely missing an artery.
Share this @internewscast.com

A Yorke Peninsula woman is recovering from an unusual and aggressive eagle ray attack after a 15cm barb pierced her arm, barely missing an artery.

Pam Bennett was part of a group investigating the effects of an algae bloom on the South Australian coast when the incident occurred.

Minutes after entering the water, she was struck from behind. 

A Yorke Peninsula woman is recovering from an unusual and aggressive eagle ray attack after a 15cm barb pierced her arm, barely missing an artery.
A Yorke Peninsula woman is recovering from an unusual and aggressive eagle ray attack after a 15cm barb pierced her arm, barely missing an artery. (Nine)

“Suddenly felt this… what felt like a dog bite,” Bennett said.

“At that moment, there probably wasn’t excruciating pain. The pain comes after.”

The attack resulted in a 15-centimetre stingray barb becoming lodged in her arm, requiring emergency treatment at the Royal Adelaide Hospital. 

Bennett said she was fine.

“I’ve got a sore arm that’s all,” she said.

A marine biologist who observed the incident shared with 9News that the behavior was both atypical and aggressive, suspecting a connection to the algae bloom.

“One [eagle ray] attacked Pam and one which actually lashed out at me, fortunately missed,” Dr Mike Bossley said. 

A Yorke Peninsula woman is recovering from an unusual and aggressive eagle ray attack after a 15cm barb pierced her arm, barely missing an artery.
Pam Bennett was part of a group investigating the effects of an algae bloom on the South Australian coast when the incident occurred. (Nine)

“She was bleeding quite profusely and had to get her to medical attention.”

Bossley believes the uncharacteristic aggression may be linked to the algae bloom affecting parts of the South Australian coast. 

He explained that warmer-than-usual waters are fueling the bloom, which can coat the gills of marine life, potentially depriving them of oxygen.

 “I’ve been snorkelling and diving for 50 years and never seen anything remotely like this,” he said. 

The attack comes a day after a great white shark was found dead on Henley Beach.

The algae bloom and its potential effects on marine life are under investigation by the Department of Primary Industries. 

According to Bossley, a natural event may be needed to resolve the issue. 

“The only thing that will help is if we get a decent storm coming in from the south-west, which will break up the bloom and disperse it,” he said.

This article was produced with the assistance of 9ExPress.
Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
An SUV drove through the window of the Fendi store at the intersection of Elizabeth and Market Street at 3.45am today.

Search Underway for Thieves Behind Sydney Luxury Handbag Heist

A luxury store has been ram-raided in Sydney’s CBD, with thousands of…

A Third of Young Australian Workers Experience Wage Theft

Cafe worker Mia McDowall was initially taken aback to find she had…
He has pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter, admitting he did kill his former partner Hannah McGuire on April 5, 2024.

Court Hears of Alleged Threats That Led to Lockdown of Hannah McGuire’s Work

A primary school went into lockdown after a man accused of murder…
Scientists reported that in Hawaii, Kilauea has paused its lava fountains only to build up pressure again, with a new eruption episode expected between July 17 and 20.

Experts on heightened alert as several volcanoes within the “Pacific Ring of Fire” awaken simultaneously

Several volcanoes located within the ‘Pacific Ring of Fire’ are exhibiting heightened…

Sweden Considers Raising Conscription Age to Address Military Personnel Shortage

Sweden is considering calling up former officers as old as 70 to…

Additional Families to Be Notified Following New Developments Regarding Accused Childcare Worker

This article contains reference to child abuse. Four additional Melbourne childcare centres…
Bruce Lehrmann (right) leaves the Magistrates Court in Toowoomba, Queensland, June 17, 2024. Mr Lehrmann is charged with two counts of rape. Picture: Dan Peled

Lehrmann Claims He Was Followed by a Daily Mail Journalist

Former Liberal staffer Bruce Lehrmann’s request for an interim restraining order against…
Closest ever photos of the sun reveal 'space weather threat' origins

Unprecedented Sun Photos Uncover Origins of ‘Space Weather Threat’

New images reveal the sun in never-before-seen detail after a record-breaking probe…
Avalon blurred

Child Undergoes Brain Scans Following Suspected Plane Hijacking Attempt

A 17-year-old boy remains in custody following his arrest related to the…

Australians Warned Against Pouring Milk Down the Drain

Australian residents are being urged not to pour milk down the drain…
Some Australians are getting Wegovy and Mounjaro online without ever having to meet a medical professional face-to-face.

Aussies Can Now Buy Weight Loss Drugs Online More Easily, But Experts Urge for Stricter Regulations

Fill out a questionnaire, send a few photos, answer a call from…
Rescued backpacker lost 12kg while lost in the WA outback

Backpacker Loses 12kg After Being Rescued from WA Wilderness Ordeal

German backpacker Carolina Wilga, recently rescued, has posted a photo on social…