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A cowtail ray was buried under the sand
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date: 19/6/2009
Author:Nick Brennan
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Weather: Overcast
Air Temp: 21.5ºC
Wind: Variable winds 5 knots
Water Temp: 22ºC
Water Visibility: 20m
Sea State: Calm
The weather really cleared up today and by mid morning the sun was poking its head out from behind the clouds.
It was an exceptional day for divers with, the now quite usual many, many Manta rays out at the lighthouse bommies through to sunset drift. The shovelnose shark also made an appearance remaining motionless on the sea floor allowing divers to swim right past it. An olive sea snake also appeared around one of the bommies. Documentary maker David Ireland was happy to get right up close and personal with this creature that is much more venomous than a cobra snake while the rest of the divers chose to watch from a distance. David has 40 years of professional experience with the underwater wildlife explained that these animals are very placid and will not attack without being provoked. He went on to say they don’t want to attack people because they would prefer to save their poison for catching their food. We will quite happily take his word for it.
Various stingrays also provided some great entertainment along the way. A cowtail ray was buried under the sand with only its tail emerging. As divers got close it became startled and shot off as quick as lightening leaving a cloud of sand behind it.
After a great day in the water, guests chilled out in the bar for a drink. David Ireland was great value spinning some great yarns about his amazing encounters with the wildlife. He even threw in a short tour for some lucky guests to go and see the spotted quole. It always ends in laughter as David unveils his prank and tonight was no different.
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cowtail in sand - A Jones
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