Flinders University explains strange device that surfaced off Brighton Beach

A snorkeller says they were horrified to discover a metre-long object just below the surface of the water. Now the unusual reason it was spotted has been explained.

A Brighton Beach snorkeller says he was horrified on Friday when he came across a metre-long star dropper just 400m offshore.

But now Flinders University has explained just what it was — as well as the unusual reason it suddenly appeared so close to the surface.

Russell Johns, 64, noticed the object while snorkelling in front of the Brighton Beachfront Holiday Park.

“Yesterday was an extremely low tide and there was six inches of it sticking out of the water,” he said. “I’m amazed no one has hit it.”

The former Aberfoyle Park High School teacher was concerned about the possible injury, especially to younger swimmers.

The star dropper found embedded in the ocean off Brighton Beach. Picture: Supplied

“A nipper, stand-up paddler, foiler, windsurfer or kite surfer is going to be seriously injured unless it’s marked or removed ASAP,” he said.

“The potential to cause serious injury is very real.”

Mr Johns said he tied a plastic milk bottle to the pole and reported the incident to Marine Safety SA.

Flinders university also attached orange buoy after it was informed the object, a research device, had been spotted near the water’s surface.

A spokeswoman said Flinders said the object was an accoustic receiver that had been used to monitor ocean noise for the past two years.

She said the university had been notified on Friday that it appeared dangerously close to the surface after an unusually low tide, and took immediate steps to ensure the safety of beach-goers and mariners.

The spokeswoman said initial attempts to remove the device had been unsuccessful, leading the university to add a floating market above it and notifying the Transport Department, which in turn issued a notice to mariners.

She said the university would remove the device permanently on Wednesday.

A Department of Transport spokesperson said they had been alerted to the issue.

“Marine Safety SA is aware of a marked submerged object at Seacliff and is currently onsite to make a navigational and public safety assessment,” they said.