Tourist dies of jellyfish sting in Santa Fe

CEBU, Philippines — The local government unit of Santa Fe, Cebu has again reminded the public, especially the tourists, to exercise caution while swimming in their coastal waters.

This was after a tourist died after being stung by a jellyfish in the town on Sunday afternoon.

The victim was identified as Leslie Ann Madronero, 31 years old from Bohol Province, who went cliff diving in Santa Fe together with three other companions.

The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office of Santa Fe reported that past 2 p.m. on June 25, 2023 when the incident happened.

“Nag-cliff diving daw ni sila unya ig dayon haw-as na, niingon ni siya na makati daw. Nakita sa iyang mga kauban naay labhag sa iyang left arm,” said Katrina Kowalik, the information officer of Santa Fe.

Tourists in the area who happened to be medical personnel helped Madronero but the victim loss consciousness when brought to the hospital and was declared dead by the attending physician.

The body of the victim was brought back to their hometown in Bohol yesterday.

Mayor Ithamar Espinosa said the LGU is ready to extend any assistance or help to the family of the victim.

“The safety of residents and visitors is of utmost importance to us. Box jellyfish encounters can be dangerous. We reiterate our reminder to everyone to remain vigilant and follow safety guidelines when engaging in water activities in swimming,” Espinosa said, in a statement released by the LGU yesterday.

On June 9, the LGU released an advisory to the public about the increased number of jellyfish in their seawaters because of the jellyfish season.

Kowalik said the resorts in Santa Fe have put warning signs about the presence of these sea creatures during this period.

The town also disseminated safety tips on how to avoid being stung by jellyfish like wearing protective clothing to cover the skin and using jellyfish repellents, among others.

Once an individual gets stung by the jellyfish, the LGU advises to seek immediate medical attention. — (FREEMAN)