CEBU CITY – A 31-year-old woman died after being stung by a box jellyfish while swimming off Santa Fe town, Bantayan Island, Cebu.
The incident happened in a public beach in Barangay Pooc around 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 25, the Santa Fe Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office reported.
The fatality was identified as Leslie Mardonero, a native of Bohol province, who was vacationing in the town along with some friends.
A doctor and a nurse who happened to be in the area tried to revive the victim but to no avail.
Gaudencio Aroganza, one of the town’s emergency responders, said the victim’s body bore several jellyfish tentacles when they arrived.
According to the doctor and the nurse, it was possible that the victim had an existing allergy.
The incident happened after the local government unit issued an advisory reminding the public to take extra care when swimming due to the presence of jellyfish swarming the town’s coastlines.
Aroganza said there had been cases of jellyfish sting in the area in the previous days but the victims only sustained injuries.
“But this case was severe,” said Aroganza.
In a statement issued on Monday, June 26, Santa Fe Mayor Ithamar Espinosa condoled with the victim’s family as he appealed to the public to take extra care when swimming in the town’s coastlines.
“We are deeply saddened by the untimely death of a tourist from Bohol near Santa Fe Cliff due to box jellyfish encounter. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased during this difficult time,” Espinosa said.
Espinosa advised beachgoers to “remain vigilant and follow safety guidelines when engaging in water activities and swimming.”
“The safety of residents and visitors is of utmost importance to us,” the mayor said.