Atlantic Torpedo Ray Washes Up On Gloucester Beach

GLOUCESTER (CBS) – A beach-goer in Gloucester found a sea creature washed ashore that is only seen a few times each summer.

A visitor to Lighthouse Beach discovered a large creature in the sand that was about two feet wide and three feet long.

The man was curious what creature he had seen, and sent the photos to Good Morning Gloucester.

After seeing the pictures of the discovery, New England Aquarium media relations director Tony LaCasse told WBZ-TV the man had come across an Atlantic torpedo ray.

LaCasse said it is not a sting ray, and is instead is the only electric ray in this part of the Atlantic Ocean.

Torpedo rays are only seen in the Boston area a few times each summer, LaCasse said.

LaCasse added that the ray can discharge about 220 volts, but is not aggressive with people.

"Curious divers need to beware as the discharge could disorient them in the water," LaCasse said about the breed of ray, which mostly feeds on fish on the ocean bottom.