A swimmer at Bondi Beach had a near-miss encounter with a bull ray after unknowingly coming close enough to touch the ray’s tail without realising the potential danger.
The tense moment lasted around seven seconds on Thursday, 7 November. Jason Iggleton, who operated a drone, captured the incident and shared footage online.
The encounter occurred as the swimmer, reportedly without goggles, swam towards the 1.2-metre-wide bull ray, unaware of the creature in his path. Mr Iggleton noted that the swimmer’s blind approach towards the ray left him at risk, especially since bull rays can defend themselves with venomous barbs on their tails if they feel threatened.
However, the ray reacted defensively rather than aggressively, folding its tail to avoid the swimmer. Mr Iggleton described the ray as “more scared than anything,” highlighting the creature’s instinct to retreat rather than lash out.
Bull Rays: Local Icon and Risk
Australian bull rays, often seen in waters around Bondi Beach, are known for their gentle behaviour and are a favourite sight for local divers. However, if they feel threatened, these rays can deliver a painful sting.
The species gained national attention in 2006 when one fatally injured wildlife expert, Steve Irwin, in a separate incident in Queensland. Despite not being endangered, bull ray numbers have reportedly declined in New South Wales waters due to fishing pressures, making these encounters both a rare thrill and a potential hazard.
Local residents and beachgoers are often drawn to Bondi Beach for its diverse marine life. While encounters with rays and other large marine animals aren’t uncommon, they do underscore the importance of beach safety awareness. Some in the community, including divers and environmentalists, have expressed concern over the potential for harm to both people and marine life in these increasingly frequent encounters.
Marine Life Safety and Drone Surveillance
The day of the bull ray encounter was busy for marine sightings at Bondi Beach. Mr Iggleton’s drone also recorded an endangered bull shark swimming close to surfers and a mako shark caught on a drum line, a baited safety device placed by the NSW officials.
While drum lines are designed to deter sharks from beachgoers, they have been controversial. Some scientists argue they may attract sharks closer to shore by baiting them. As an alternative, there have been calls within the community and from environmental groups to use more modern monitoring methods, such as drones and electronic warning systems, to promote safety without impacting marine ecosystems.
Mr Iggleton’s footage, shared through his popular DroneSharkApp social media account, has sparked community discussion on beach safety and the role of technology in monitoring marine life. His video has led many Bondi locals to reflect on the need for caution when interacting with sea life, even in popular swimming spots, and to consider how new technology like drones can help protect both swimmers and marine species.
Published 12-Nov-2024