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Child injured by poisonous stingray in Magaluf – warning for holidaymakers!
A child was injured by a stingray on the beach in Magaluf, Mallorca, on June 19, 2025. Researchers are investigating rising sightings.
Child injured by poisonous stingray in Magaluf – warning for holidaymakers!
Current events surrounding the popular holiday resort of Magaluf on Mallorca not only concern holidaymakers, but also the local media. Last weekend there was an incident that once again drew attention to the dangers in the waters around the Balearic Islands. A young boy received a deep cut on his arm when he tried to touch a stingray. The incident occurred on Magaluf Beach, a popular destination for British holidaymakers to enjoy the sun and sea.
First responders treated the injured child before taking him to the hospital. The media reporting initially incorrectly spoke of a devil ray. However, it was actually a stingray whose poisonous stinger was responsible for the serious injury. These incidents shed light on a worrying development: more and more rays can currently be seen on the coasts of Spain, especially in Mallorca. The Palma Aquarium Marine Conservation Foundation confirms the unusual increase in stingray sightings and emphasizes that bathers should keep their distance and call 112 in the event of a sighting.
Unusual cluster of sightings
Concern about the increase in the ray population goes hand in hand with another alarming phenomenon: since May this year, five specimens of the critically endangered devil ray have already been stranded on the beaches of the Balearic Islands. Around 20 additional devil rays have also been spotted in other parts of the Spanish Mediterranean. Scientists agree that there is currently no adequate explanation for this phenomenon, which is increasingly attracting public attention. Some documentaries on social media such as TikTok illustrate the situation and mobilize people to think more about the issue, but a clear explanation is lacking.
If suspended particles in the waters increase and affect the ecosystem, it could harm not only the rays but also other marine animals. The Marine Conservation Foundation appeals to bathers to respect the very lively underwater world. It is also pointed out that more and more dead whales are being found on the coasts of Spain, which underlines the urgency of the research work.
Coastal protection and climate change
In connection with these marine phenomena is the advancing climate change. Warnings of rising sea levels, which could rise by up to one meter by the end of the 21st century, are intensifying the discussion about coastal protection measures. In Schleswig-Holstein, for example, 24% of the area is at risk of flooding, and extreme weather events, such as storm surges, are expected to increase in the North Sea. This can not only affect the coastline, but also endanger the habitats of many marine animals.
Flexible coastal protection is therefore essential and various measures - such as dike construction, sand replenishment and breakwaters - are being taken to protect the coasts while preserving marine life. The population should also be included in this discussion, because a good hand in implementing protection strategies is crucial. Climate change is not only a threat to coastal regions, but also has a significant impact on marine biodiversity.
Overall, it remains to be seen what further insights the scientists will gain. The situation in Mallorca is another sign that people and nature live in a fragile balance that needs to be protected.