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09/09/2006: "STINGRAY SPINE ..... in graphic detail"

The broken-off stingray spine (at left) is 20cm in length. This is what killed The Crocodile Hunter in that serious error of judgement last week at Batt Reef, off Port Douglas.

The school of large sleeping stingrays was found elsewhere in 30 meters of water, a safe depth to keep some distance between yourself and them.

One ray is already beginning to lift it's tail "in preparation", should the diver get within striking range it would probably use it.

The diver was Dianne Widdowson she knew not approach any closer than this. Steve Irwin swam above a similar sized creature in only 1.5 meters of depth.

The single spine is at the base of the tail not the tip and does not inject venom although it has grooves to prevent it 'sticking'.

Spines are coated with toxic slime that produces an instant and severe pain followed by serious infection if not cleaned completely away.

The Crocodile Hunter was not a long term experienced diver, but was doing his best.

Hi John,

A long-time editor of a leading Australian dive magazine, and a lifetime's experience diving and filming off Australia and Pacific islands, make you a top world authority on marine behaviour. Thank you for putting it all in perspective. It's a shame we lost such a gutsy Aussie, but even in death Steve was still teaching us. Ben M.