Killer stingrays invading UK shores as inhabitants set to blow up for one motive
Britain is feared to be facing an explosion in killer stingray numbers.
The Steve Irwin-killing monsters are normally found in tropical areas, but are increasingly turning up on the UK coast.
This summer they are said to have bombarded our beaches.
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Stingrays visit shallow, muddy bays and estuaries in search of food, so can often turn up yards from popular beaches. They can grow up to 5ft across and weigh as much as five-and-a-half stone, while their stingers can measure up to 15 inches. Fishing experts say warming seas could see their numbers swell in British waters over the coming years.
(Image: Getty Images)
Many anglers, particularly on the south coast, in the West Country and by the Irish Sea, are enjoying the booming numbers swarming to our shores.
They have been targeting them with great success and catching huge specimens.
Angler Liam Timothy spotted one in The Solent, which lies between the Isle of Wight and the south coast.
He said: “I actually couldn’t believe it when I saw the stingray come up onto the shingle.
(Image: Getty Images)
“It was an amazing fish like nothing else I have caught before.”
Shane Merrick hooked and caught another one weighing 41lbs off the West Sussex coast.
The British record for a stingray was broken in 2015 with one that weighed 78lb 8oz.
Although attacks on humans are rare, they are feared in the tropics.
Australian TV adventurer Steve Irwin died after he was stung by one in 2006 off the Great Barrier Reef.
Experts say they are most likely to cause a fatal injury if the stinger hits the face or chest.
(Image: Getty Images/imageBROKER RF)
Anyone who is stung should medical advice, as there can be “lasting after-effects such as reactions to the venom or fragments of the stinger” remaining inside the wound.
The British Sea Fishing website says: “It is perfectly possible that warming seas and other environmental factors will see stingray numbers increase in British waters over the coming years.
“Stingrays are most famous for the serrated, venomous stinger which is concealed in their tail.
“Once the point of the stinger pierces flesh the cells are torn open and release the venom inside of the victim.
“The venom then causes the wound to become inflamed and it can go on to cause symptoms such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, and diarrhea.
“The vast majority of attacks are caused by divers provoking them or surprising or startling them by approaching from behind.
“Bathers can also be ‘attacked’ by stingrays if they accidentally step on one which has buried itself into sand.
