By Marisol Bo-oc | 08:10 PM June 26, 2023
A Boholana tourist has died after being stung by a box jellyfish, locally known as “bokya”, in Santa Fe town in Bantayan Island, Cebu.
The tourist (name withheld) died after being stung while going for a swim on Sunday afternoon (June 25) near Santa Fe Cliff.
Santa Fe Mayor Ithamar P. Espinosa sent condolences to the bereaved family of the tourist.
“We are deeply saddened by the untimely death of a tourist from Bohol near Santa Fe Cliff due to a box jellyfish encounter. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased during this difficult time,” Espinosa said in his official statement.
He said the safety of residents and visitors is of utmost importance to the local government.
“Box jellyfish encounters can be dangerous. We reiterate our reminder to everyone to remain vigilant and follow safety guidelines when engaging in water activities and swimming,” the local chief executive.
Box jellyfish do not float – they swim at depth and are harder to see, especially at night.
They have tentacles that can reach three metres (10 feet) long and their sting is so painful that many victims go into shock and drown.
Those who do escape the water often die from the venom, which quickly attacks the heart and nervous system.
Last June, authorities in Santa Fe town warned beachgoers to exercise caution when swimming due to the presence of swarms of jellyfish in the town’s coastlines
