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Injuries related to ship collisions
Injuries related to ship collisions are physical traumas suffered by the manta ray (Mobula birostris) during an impact with the hull, propeller or rudder of a boat.\nThese animals often live near the surface, particularly in coastal areas f...
What is it?
Injuries related to ship collisions are physical traumas suffered by the manta ray (Mobula birostris) during an impact with the hull, propeller or rudder of a boat.\nThese animals often live near the surface, particularly in coastal areas frequented by pleasure, fishing or tourist boats.\nThe lesions range from simple superficial cuts to deep wounds affecting the pectoral fins, the head or the gill region, sometimes fatal.\nThis type of trauma is increasingly documented in areas where maritime traffic and tourist observation of manta rays develop.
Key point
Deep wounds affecting the gills or head can be fatal for the animal.
Commonly observed signs
These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.
Related signs — each one links to its page:
The signs observed depend on the severity and location of the impact.\nWe can see open wounds, lacerations or clear sections on the body, often at the level of the pectoral fins, the disc or the tail.\nOld scars in the shape of parallel lines suggest the passage of a propeller.\nThe injured animal may present irregular, asymmetrical or slowed swimming, an apparent difficulty in maintaining its trajectory or breathing normally if the slits gills are affected.\nIn the most severe cases, the stingray may remain immobile near the surface or disappear quickly after impact, making the outcome difficult for observers to know.
When to consult without delay
This list does not replace veterinary advice. It gathers situations that justify a prompt consultation.
Causes and risk factors
The direct cause is physical contact between the animal and part of a moving vessel: hull, keel, propeller or rudder.\nManta rays regularly come to the surface to feed on plankton, warm up or frequent cleaning sites where cleaner fish remove parasites from their skin, which exposes them to maritime traffic.
Areas with a high density of boats, especially near diving sites, tourist observation points or ports, increase the risk.\nThe high speed of boats reduces the animal's reaction time and aggravates the severity of injuries in the event of an impact.\nLow visibility of the water, darkness or prolonged surface behavior of the manta ray during feeding or visits to cleaning stations constitute aggravating factors.\nJuveniles and weakened or already injured animals appear less able to avoid further impact.
Diagnosis and care
Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.
The identification of a collision injury is done by direct observation, at sea or during photo-identification, a method used by researchers to individually recognize each manta ray thanks to the unique patterns of its ventral face and its scars.\nA veterinarian specializing in marine wildlife or a marine biologist assesses the depth of the wound, the possible damage to the gill organs and the general swimming condition of the animal.\nIn the majority of cases, direct intervention on a wild animal at sea remains very limited in practice.
Treatment
There is no standardized treatment applicable at sea for an injured wild manta ray.\nIn very rare situations, particularly in a specialized structure or for an accessible animal, wound care, antiseptics or antibiotics may be considered by a veterinary team experienced in marine wildlife.\nMost injuries progress without human intervention, with natural healing depending on the depth of the lesion and the absence of secondary infection.
Treatment depends on the cause and the animal's condition: it must be determined by a veterinarian. No self-medication.
Prevention
Prevention is essentially based on the management of maritime traffic in areas frequented by manta rays.\nThis includes limiting the speed of boats in sectors identified as sensitive areas, training tourist operators and fishermen in the presence of these animals, and the establishment of charters of good conduct for observation at sea.\nThe marking of certain cleaning or feeding sites and raising awareness among the general public of the existence of these populations also contribute to reducing collisions.
Possible complications
Possible complications include infection of the wound, significant hemorrhage, damage to the gill slits compromising breathing, or partial disability of the pectoral fins limiting swimming and feeding ability.\nSevere injury can weaken the animal, making it more vulnerable to predators or further collisions.\nAt a population scale, repeated trauma can affect long-term survival, as the manta ray has slow reproduction and low number of pups per litter.
When to see a veterinarian
Observation of a manta ray with an open wound, bleeding or deep laceration.\nAbnormal, asymmetrical swimming or apparent difficulty remaining at the surface.\nSign of respiratory distress or prolonged immobility near the surface.\nDiscovery of an individual stranded or trapped near a port area.
Prognosis
The prognosis varies greatly depending on the depth and location of the injury.\nSuperficial lesions of the pectoral fins may heal gradually without major sequelae.\nDeep injuries affecting the head, gills or spine are often serious and can lead to the death of the animal, immediately or within weeks following the impact.\nMany manta rays tracked by photo-identification bear old scars indicating post-collision survival, showing that spontaneous recovery is possible in some cases.
Frequently asked questions
Can a manta ray survive a collision with a boat?
Yes, it depends on the severity of the injury. Old scars seen on many individuals show that superficial or moderate wounds can heal. Deep damage, particularly near the gills, is, however, often fatal.
What to do if you see an injured manta ray at sea?
It is recommended not to touch or handle the animal, to keep a reasonable distance, to note the location and if possible to photograph the injury, then to report the sighting to a local manta ray monitoring organization or to the competent authorities.
Are collisions with ships common among manta rays?
They are documented in several areas with high tourist or fishing maritime traffic. Their exact frequency remains difficult to estimate because many cases are never observed directly at sea.
Can you treat an injured manta ray like a pet?
No, manta rays are large wild animals that live in a marine environment. Any intervention requires a team specialized in marine wildlife, and most injuries progress without direct human intervention.
References
WOAH — Organisation mondiale de la santé animale (ex-OIE)
Content reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team · Updated 11 August 2026
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