North Queensland Teen Hospitalised After Irukandji Jellyfish Sting
A North Queensland teenager has shared harrowing details of the "stabbing" pain he endured from an Irukandji jellyfish sting, an incident that resulted in his hospitalisation and triggered a frantic rescue operation off Cape Upstart. Hudson Horan and his friend Tanner were swimming on February 1 when both were struck by the tiny but highly venomous jellyfish, leading to a dramatic chain of events.
Escalating Symptoms and Intense Pain
Within minutes of the sting, Hudson's symptoms rapidly escalated. "When I first got stung, my neck was a bit itchy," the teen recounted. "On the boat trip back, it was mostly in my legs, with the pain rising. My back started to get sore, and it felt like stabbing pains." Hudson spent the night in hospital recovering from the sting, which can cause severe pain, vomiting, breathing difficulties, and, in rare cases, cardiac complications.
Tanner, who was luckier with fewer stings, described the experience as "terrible," emphasising that the pain was still intense despite his milder exposure. The ordeal has left a lasting impact on Hudson, changing his perspective on water safety. "Get a stinger suit, and just be careful," he advised, highlighting the importance of protective measures in jellyfish-prone areas.
Frantic Rescue Operation in Remote Waters
The situation turned critical when the boys found themselves out of mobile range, forcing Hudson's father, Dan, to radio Marine Rescue Queensland for assistance. Senior radio operator Dawn Ordorica answered the call and immediately alerted duty officer Paul Quagliata, who phoned Triple Zero and stayed on the line during the 25-minute dash back to shore. Emergency crews were waiting at the ramp when the trio arrived, ensuring prompt medical attention.
Last week, the boys reunited with the MRQ volunteers who coordinated the rescue, a moment Paul described as "unreal." "Quite often we don't hear the outcomes," he said. "To see the boys, they're good again, they've come out the other side ... it's really good to see." This reunion underscored the vital role of emergency responders in such incidents.
Safety Warnings and Equipment Advice
Dawn Ordorica used the incident to stress the importance of safety preparedness for boaters. "Make sure your gear is all up to date, and easy to get to," she urged, noting that proper equipment can be lifesaving in emergencies. Marine Rescue Queensland recommends that boaties log on and off with their local unit and use VHF16 in emergencies to ensure swift coordination and response.
- Always wear protective stinger suits in jellyfish-prone waters.
- Ensure boats are equipped with updated safety gear and radios.
- Maintain communication with local marine rescue units during trips.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the hidden dangers in North Queensland's coastal waters and the critical need for vigilance and preparedness when enjoying marine activities.
