Massive Ray Boards Vessel in "Scary" 10,000 Islands Encounter

What began as a routine "Buddy Trip" for the Marco Sportfishing Club on January 26 turned into a harrowing survival story when a Spotted Eagle Ray—estimated at over 200 pounds—launched itself into a member's boat.

While anchored in Whitney Channel, the massive creature cleared the vessel's engine and slammed onto the deck, narrowly missing the occupants. “I saw the ray jump behind the boat and submerge, only to have it jump a second time, clear the engine, and land on the deck—just brushing against Tom,” said Charlie Schwalje, who was on board at the time.

The sheer power of the impact and the animal's subsequent thrashing caused damage to the center console vessel, breaking a seat and leaving owner and captain Tom Crane concerned about the structural integrity of the deck. "One of the scariest things ever experienced," said Bob Trento, who was also on the boat. "That ray missed Tom by only inches. One of us could have been killed".

Unable to safely remove the heavy animal while on the water, the crew navigated to Safe Harbor Calusa Island Marina. Once at the dock, the sheer scale of the creature became even more apparent, as it required the combined strength of four men to successfully remove the ray from the boat and onto the dock. Despite initial reports of state involvement, Marina General Manager Willy Godoy clarified that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) did not physically attend the scene. Instead, officials requested photos to send to a biologist before instructing the marina staff to push the ray back into the water.

The encounter serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of local wildlife. For future encounters with large or stranded marine animals, the FWC emphasizes following standard safety protocols: avoid physical intervention with thrashing wildlife and immediately contact: FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922) or via #FWC on mobile devices.

Biologists recommend documenting the scene with GPS coordinates and photos via the

FWC Reporter App to assist in their decision for physical intervention.

Beyond wildlife safety, the club’s April meeting will feature two FWC biologists as guest speakers to discuss a major shift in local fishing regulations. The primary focus of their presentation will be the new regional management approach for spotted seatrout, a model similar to the one currently used for snook and redfish. Members are encouraged to attend to learn how these upcoming changes will impact Southwest Florida angling.

The Marco Sportfishing Club continues to lead local efforts in angling advocacy and education.