A peaceful research expedition off the southern coast of Australia turned into a dramatic and terrifying ordeal when 68-year-old Pam Bennett was unexpectedly attacked by a stingray. The incident occurred while Bennett was snorkeling at Treasure Cove on the Yorke Peninsula, about 50 meters offshore.
What began as a routine marine life survey ended with a venomous barb embedded deep in her arm and a fight for survival that left even seasoned marine biologists in shock. Despite the trauma, Bennett considers herself incredibly fortunate — a sentiment that captures both the horror and hope that emerged from the day’s events.
Pam Bennett, who had been working alongside a team of three other researchers, was exploring the waters off Treasure Cove in response to a disturbing rise in fish deaths. As part of a marine life survey team, she was accustomed to being in the water and observing oceanic species.
But on that particular day, nature took an unexpected and violent turn. From behind, and without warning, a stingray thrust its six-inch barb into her right arm, just above the elbow. In an instant, the peaceful underwater world turned bloody and chaotic.
What made the incident especially alarming was the proximity of the barb to a vital artery. The stingray’s venomous spine lodged itself dangerously close to Bennett’s brachial artery — a main blood vessel that, if punctured, could have led to a catastrophic outcome.
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She later told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), “It was actually laying alongside the brachial artery but it didn’t penetrate the artery. I could have been a Steve Irwin.” Her reference to the beloved wildlife expert who died after being stung in the heart by a stingray only underscored the severity of her injury.
The Silent Strike: How the Attack Happened
Pam Bennett’s encounter with the stingray was not only painful but also baffling to those present. Stingrays are known to be non-aggressive by nature, often choosing to flee when approached by humans.
Bennett herself admitted she didn’t see the stingray coming. “He had come from behind, I think. He had actually attacked. That’s not their normal behavior,” she told ABC. This sudden and uncharacteristic aggression left her stunned — not just physically, but emotionally as well.
Marine biologist Mike Bossle, who was among the researchers with Bennett that day, praised her courage and calm demeanor during the ordeal. He described how she remained composed despite losing a significant amount of blood.
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“We had to get Pam out of the water; she was bleeding quite heavily, but she’s a very brave woman and didn’t panic or anything,” Bossle said. That calmness may have saved her life, as panic could have elevated her heart rate and exacerbated the bleeding.\
Once out of the water, Bennett was rushed to Yorketown Hospital for initial treatment before being transferred to Adelaide for surgery. There, medical professionals successfully removed the barb, and it was confirmed that despite the intense pain and extensive bleeding, no major arteries were damaged. Her recovery, while painful, has been steady, and her resilience is nothing short of remarkable.
Reflections on Survival and the Nature of Stingrays
In the days following the attack, Pam Bennett expressed both gratitude and perspective. Despite the trauma, she considers herself lucky to have survived such a close call.
“In hindsight, I feel like I’ve won the lottery,” she told ABC. Her reflections are grounded not only in relief but also in a deep awareness of how easily things could have gone differently. “I’m amazed it was me and not a young child,” she added, highlighting how unpredictable encounters with marine wildlife can be.
Interestingly, despite her injury, Bennett holds no animosity toward stingrays. On the contrary, she called them “beautiful creatures” and acknowledged that the one that struck her likely acted out of fear or confusion. The stingray’s barb was likely used defensively, not maliciously.
This viewpoint aligns with information provided by the South Australian Department for Environment and Water, which emphasizes that stingrays are typically curious and non-aggressive animals. According to the department, stingrays usually swim away from humans unless they feel threatened or cornered.
The department also encourages respectful behavior when interacting with marine life. “Stingrays are not aggressive. They are curious and playful animals when there are divers and snorkelers around, and if they feel threatened, their first instinct is to swim away,” they stated. “But as with all marine life, people must respect stingrays’ personal space … Never threaten or corner a ray, and always keep an eye out for their tail.”
Pam’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the fragile balance between humans and nature. It underscores the need for caution, even in seemingly tranquil environments. Marine life, while beautiful and mesmerizing, can react unpredictably when they feel threatened. The ocean remains a wild and untamed frontier — one that must be approached with both curiosity and respect.
A Community Shaken and Lessons Learned
The attack on Pam Bennett has reverberated throughout the local community of Point Turton, a quiet seaside town on the Yorke Peninsula. Residents, many of whom regularly engage in fishing, snorkeling, and marine conservation, were shocked by the news. The event has prompted discussions about marine safety, emergency response preparedness, and public awareness about stingrays and other sea creatures.
Bennett’s work as a marine researcher made her particularly aware of the ocean’s risks, but her experience has driven home the point that even experts are not immune to the dangers of marine environments. For local hospitals like Yorketown, the incident was a reminder of the importance of quick medical response, especially in remote coastal regions where every minute counts during emergencies.
There’s also a broader takeaway from the incident — a call to educate the public on how to behave around marine animals. Just as hikers are taught to respect wildlife in national parks, divers and snorkelers must be instructed on the importance of non-invasive behavior around sea creatures. Bennett’s calm reaction and the swift actions of her team prevented a potentially fatal outcome, setting a standard for how such situations should be handled.
As for Pam Bennett, she remains undeterred in her admiration for marine life. Her ordeal has not driven her away from the ocean, but rather reaffirmed her commitment to understanding and protecting it.
The stingray attack, while traumatic, became a vivid chapter in her long career of marine observation and conservation. “It’s a story I’ll carry with me forever,” she said. Stories like Pam Bennett’s remind us that the natural world, while awe-inspiring, demands our humility.
Even the most serene environments can harbor dangers, and the key to peaceful coexistence lies in awareness, education, and respect. Pam’s resilience, courage, and grace under pressure offer not only an example of human strength but also a lesson in compassion — both for ourselves and the creatures that share our world.