Friend of mine grabbed a stingrays tail to attempt to hold it against the gaff while the other removed the fairly elaborate rig. Slipped and the barb got him across the top of two fingers, severed both tendons. After the operation he only has a small scar and both fingers work fine. Very lucky.
The last stingray i caught i wrapped the tail in a beach towel and then removed my hook. Now days, ill just cut the fucking line.