Irwin's Death ... on impulse I tapped it on the nose
Many years ago, as a very young, uneducated and inexperienced diver, I discovered a small ray buried in the sand. All I could see was its funny face, and on impulse, I tapped it on its nose. Fortunately, it flapped away without becoming aggressive in reaction to my idiocy . After I related the incident, I received a severe lecture from a friend and experienced driver. Later, I did the research on the dangers of the sea which I should have learned before diving. Too many people attempt diving or snorkeling without proper training on safe behavior around sea life. Hence, they are injured or die after picking up lethal shells and so forth.
In contrast, certain professional divers accept taking calculated risks, and swim in close proximity or handle dangerous sea life, as part of the danger inherent in their careers. These people take the same calculated, voluntary risks as experimental jet pilots, combat personnel and other hazardous careers. It is understandable that Austin Bay considers Irwin's death as "a violent, unnessary death" .Yet, Steve Irwin created a very hazardous category of animal handler and environmentalist, and one must consider that dangerous careers are not rare or considered insane.
Update: "One of Irwin's contemporaries, internationally known cameraman and spearfisherman Ben Cropp, was in his own boat off Port Douglas when Irwin was killed. Mr Cropp said the stingray was spooked and went into defensive mood. "It probably felt threatened because Steve was alongside and there was the cameraman ahead, and it felt there was danger and it baulked. "It stopped and went into a defensive mode and swung its tail with the spike. "Steve unfortunately was in a bad position and copped it. " "Steve was so close he could not get away, so if you can imagine it - being right beside the ray and it swinging its spine upwards from underneath Steve - and it hit him. "I have seen that sort of reaction with rays - with their tail breaking the water, such is the force."
Interesting Note: Sting rays can be enormous in Australia. They are not the same species found in the US. The sting looks like a steak knife on some of these things"The giant Australian stingray can reach 6 to 7 feet across the wings and weigh 750 pounds."
Many years ago, as a very young, uneducated and inexperienced diver, I discovered a small ray buried in the sand. All I could see was its funny face, and on impulse, I tapped it on its nose. Fortunately, it flapped away without becoming aggressive in reaction to my idiocy . After I related the incident, I received a severe lecture from a friend and experienced driver. Later, I did the research on the dangers of the sea which I should have learned before diving. Too many people attempt diving or snorkeling without proper training on safe behavior around sea life. Hence, they are injured or die after picking up lethal shells and so forth.
In contrast, certain professional divers accept taking calculated risks, and swim in close proximity or handle dangerous sea life, as part of the danger inherent in their careers. These people take the same calculated, voluntary risks as experimental jet pilots, combat personnel and other hazardous careers. It is understandable that Austin Bay considers Irwin's death as "a violent, unnessary death" .Yet, Steve Irwin created a very hazardous category of animal handler and environmentalist, and one must consider that dangerous careers are not rare or considered insane.
Update: "One of Irwin's contemporaries, internationally known cameraman and spearfisherman Ben Cropp, was in his own boat off Port Douglas when Irwin was killed. Mr Cropp said the stingray was spooked and went into defensive mood. "It probably felt threatened because Steve was alongside and there was the cameraman ahead, and it felt there was danger and it baulked. "It stopped and went into a defensive mode and swung its tail with the spike. "Steve unfortunately was in a bad position and copped it. " "Steve was so close he could not get away, so if you can imagine it - being right beside the ray and it swinging its spine upwards from underneath Steve - and it hit him. "I have seen that sort of reaction with rays - with their tail breaking the water, such is the force."
Interesting Note: Sting rays can be enormous in Australia. They are not the same species found in the US. The sting looks like a steak knife on some of these things"The giant Australian stingray can reach 6 to 7 feet across the wings and weigh 750 pounds."
posted by Ragnell | 5:29 PM
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