I'm reminded of a university professor of psychology once remarking that most of the individuals who enter into a psychology curriculum do so in hopes of resolving their own issue(s).
The issue of balance really puzzled me. I found the answer in Wikipedia: "In a gyrocar, balance was provided by one or more gyroscopes, and in one example, connected to two pendulums by a rack and pinion."
Source: Gyrocar - Wikipedia
The way the account reads, the otters reacted to what they perceived to be an attack.
An unfortunate misunderstanding.
I hope the victim is able to keep to his upcoming Christmas trip to the U.K. A bit of cheer around this couldn't hurt.