A 48-year-old woman has been flown to Nelson Hospital by helicopter after being attacked by a stingray in Golden Bay.

The Summit Rescue Helicopter was called to Pohara Beach shortly before three o'clock this afternoon. Jon Leach, Richmond Operations Team Manager for St. John ambulance in Nelson says the barb of the stingray is still imbedded in the woman's leg. He says it may need to be removed by surgery, but if it is shallow it can be removed by a small incision.

Jon Leach says the woman is resting and is in a comfortable condition.