RIP STEVE
RIP Steve, What an absolutely tragic thing to happen. Up until 5 years ago I have been a pro fisherman in North Queensland for 15 years and know only too well the dangers of being hit by a sting ray .I have had one get me in the hand once and have removed their barbs on numerous occasions from wounded deckhands, the pain when you get stuck by one is absolutely excruciating. Steves death is very unusual way to die,especially from a sting ray barb which usually only manage to penetrate feet ,fingers or hands.
Approx 10 years back my mate who was a copper in Cooktown at the time attended a fatality near Princess Charlotte Bay in far Noth Qld . The deceased in this incident had died on a prawn trawler from a sting ray wound to the chest. This poor gentleman was by himself at the time and was killed whilst hauling his nets on to his boat .He was found days later and apparently the vessel had remained with the engine still engaged until it ran out of fuel.He was lying on the deck with the Ray close by and his catch rotting on the sorting tray.
So on rare occassions this type of event may occur but in Steves case the question is , "How did he get in a position especially under water to have a sting ray curl its tail over its own back and get him in the chest"?.
More facts on this event will no doubt come to light in the near future but on a parting note" Farewell Steve you will be missed and never forgotten.
Scott
