Sir Richard Branson attacked by stingray on conservation dive
Tycoon Richard Branson has been attacked by a stingray while on a conservation trip in the Cayman Islands.
The Virgin Records founder joined ocean conservationist Guy Harvey for a special swim with stingrays off the coast of Grand Cayman this week and one of the creatures confused Branson for food and bit into his arm.
The businessman showed a picture of a bloody and bruised bite mark on his forearm on Twitter.com and told fans he was bitten “by a shark”.
He later recalled the incident on his website, writing, “We were surrounded by stingray, as well as stunning coral reefs and tropical fish … But the rays were feeding all around, and they mistook yours truly for their food. Suddenly I felt a painful sensation on my wrist – they have one heck of a painful kiss! Rays are actually part of the shark family, so I’ve now been kissed by a shark.
“We made it back to shore and I put on a brave face as I got some treatment … I’m still proudly campaigning to protect rays, even if I did get kissed! Apparently it gives seven years good luck.”
It was not the only injury Branson suffered on his trip – he also crashed into a glass door and cut his eye, requiring three stitches.
He admitted, “I was feeling rather woozy, and quite embarrassed, but I was still smiling.”
Image credit: iStock
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
airlines aviation cayman islands richard branson stingray virginLatest News
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