Branson and his injuries. Photo credit: Mirror

Billionaire Richard Branson has been left with injuries after being attacked by stingrays (technically part of the shark family), London Mirror reported today. “We made it back to shore and I put on a brave face as I got some treatment. I’m still proudly campaigning to protect rays, even if I did get bitten!”

According to the report, Branson also sustained a cut to his head which required stitches after he walked into a glass door just a few days later.

The businessman was bitten on the arm by the fish – which famously killed Steve Irwin – while swimming off the Grand Cayman coast.

He shared the picture of his war wounds, writing: “Been in the wars in the Cayman Islands – bitten by a shark.”

Speaking about his experience, the 65-year-old Branson told Virgin.com : “We joined renowned ocean conservationist Guy Harvey to see the rays up close at Stingray City Sandbar. We were surrounded by stingray, as well as stunning coral reefs and tropical fish.

“But the rays were feeding all around, and they mistook yours truly for their food. Suddenly I felt a painful sensation on my wrist – they have one heck of a painful bite! Rays are actually part of the shark family, so I’ve now been bitten by a shark.”

Branson in water. Photo Credit: Mirror

Mirror reported further that Branson’s bad luck didn’t end there though and he ended up needing stiches to his head during the trip after walking into a glass door. The incident occurred as he paid a visit to a local jewellery shop to pick up an anniversary gift for his wife Joan.

In his words: “I hit the glass head first and I got this painful cut above my left eye. It was bullet-proof glass! We quickly set up a makeshift operating theatre, where I was given three stitches.”

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