An Australian tourist has survived a sting from a box jellyfish, one of the world’s most venomous creatures, while surfing in Fiji. Guy Rowles was attacked on his first day in the water at Cloudbreak, a reef break in the Mamanuca Islands known for its powerful waves.
Mr Rowles described the pain as feeling like “burning hot oil” being poured on his arm. He tore off the tentacles but soon experienced a tight chest, convulsions and vomiting. He was rushed to a hospital in Nadi, more than an hour away, where doctors said it was too late for antivenom. “I just had to ride it out,” he said.
The 30-year-old had called his mother to say he loved her before being driven at high speed from the shore. Hospital staff doused the sting area with vinegar to neutralise remaining stinging cells. Mr Rowles later said he was lucky not to have been stung on his face or neck, and that his youth and fitness likely helped him survive.
Box jellyfish can kill within five minutes, and their tentacles can reach up to ten feet in length. Fiji’s health ministry had previously issued a warning after several patients presented with breathing problems following encounters with the jellyfish. The ministry urged the public to take precautionary measures at sea.
Despite the ordeal, Mr Rowles has already returned to surfing, saying the experience has “definitely put things into perspective”.
