Herk_Man
Contributor
Back in the late 80's, Was diving off of Channel Islands in So Cal (can't remember which one) My buddy and I were under the boat hanging out after the dive. Clear water around 25 ft. nice sunny day. Here comes this ray slowly swimming towards us and pauses right in front of us 5 ft. off the bottom. No barb, looks un-threatening. We reach out and start petting it ( real discovery channel moment). ray is there seemingly enjoying the moment as well.
We get back on the boat and the DM and other divers said they watched us from the surface. Seems we were petting a Torpedo (electric) Ray that had zapped some photographer earlier when it was startled by his flash. Maybe it was all zapped out and was in a daze it could not zap me and my buddy. Of course I like to think it had simply enjoyed the moment as well.
Never trust the wildlife if you can't ID it properly.
That is really really funny. When I first read it I thought maybe your legs were being pulled off by the DM. But Wikipedia confirms the existence of such an animal.
Kind of the ocean version of walking across the carpet with socks on. Glad you didn't get jolted!