A child was stung by a venomous jellyfish recently and pictures of her injuries were shared on the Facebook group Marine Stewards. And it was stated that the little girl was paddling in shallow water near FOC when she was stung on the leg by a box jellyfish.
Marine Stewards have also posted an important public advisory on their Facebook page.
“**Important Public Advisory**
Due to further incidences of the highly venemous box jellyfish, including a girl getting stung by one at Sentosa on 17 July, we update our advice to not swim at Sentosa, Seringat, Lazarus and St Johns islands for a further two weeks. Follow our page for updates here: Marine Stewards
**Latest Box Jellyfish Update**
As there have now been a few sightings, it is important to understand what the box jellyfish looks like and what to do if you encounter one. Here are the incidences that we know of to date:
21 March
Location: Off of National Sailing Centre at East Coast Park (thanks Jonathan for correcting)
A lady was stung by a box jellyfish. Her account of the incident is here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/marinesteward/permalink/2510804802565778/
(Note: Circuit breaker and Phase 1 was 7 April – 19 June)
3 July
Location: One Degree 15 Marina at Sentosa
We reported a sighting of one box jelly. We alerted the relevant authorities and also advised no swimming around the Sentosa area for 2 weeks. Video of the box jelly here:
https://www.facebook.com/452121325541865/posts/754042772016384/
14 July
Location: Tuas
A box jellyfish was sighted at Tuas around 9pm. The box part was reported to be about 10-12cm, and total length including tentacles about 50-60cm. It was near the boat light, might have been attracted by the light. No photo/video taken. This was seen and reported by a trusted source.
16 July
Location: Seringat/ Lazarus island dock
Two box jellies sighted from a boat. Wei Loon estimated the box part to be about 6-8cm long, and total length including tentacles to be about 20cm. He suspects the boat spot light attracted them. Reported to us on 18 July, video posted here: https://www.facebook.com/452121325541865/posts/764690784284916/
17 July
Location: Palawan beach at Sentosa
Girl was stung by a box jellyfish while paddling in shallow waters at Palawan beach near FOC. We have asked Carolyn for an estimate of the size: https://www.facebook.com/452121325541865/posts/764699647617363/
We now update our advice to not swim at Sentosa, Seringat, Lazarus and St Johns islands for a further two weeks. Relevant authorities have been notified and are working on this.
Please stay safe and alert. Box jellies are highly venomous and potentially fatal.
If you see a box jelly, dead or alive:
* Call NParks immediately to report: 1800-471-7300. They may come to collect it
* Take note of location, take photos and video. You can post them in our public group here: Marine Stewards
* Do NOT touch it. Even if it is dead!
If you get stung by a box jelly:
* Do not rub the affected area
* Call 995 for ambulance immediately, or get yourself to the nearest hospital
* Pour white vinegar generously over affected area
* Do not use fingers to remove the tentacles, that might trigger more venom to be released. Use tweezers to gently lift off tentacles that stick to skin
* Notify NParks at 1800-471-7300. You can also post here Marine Stewards so we can send out info quickly
Thank you all for your vigilance.”
