NAKHON SI THAMMARAT, Thailand – A 13-year-old boy died Saturday after a fire jellyfish sting at a beach in Sichon district. It’s the first known fatal sting in the area.
Nanthaphat Boonplod had just played in a charity football tournament. He went swimming with about 20 friends at Ban Fai Tha Beach after a penalty shootout.
Boy stung just ten metres from shore
The 13-year-old was only about 10 metres from the beach when a fire jellyfish struck him. He screamed for help and collapsed unconscious moments later.
Nattaporn Tomudo, a close friend, heard the cries and swam to him without hesitation.
Friend found three or four jellyfish around victim
Nattaporn described the dramatic moments.
But I found three or four jellyfish surrounding him. Seconds later he collapsed unconscious in the water.
said Nattaporn Tomudo, close friend of the student.
The 13-year-old rescuer and two other helpers, including a villager, were also stung but survived.
Paramedics fought to save his life
An ambulance was still stationed at the beach from the football event. Paramedics found Nanthaphat unconscious with foam at his mouth.
They rushed him to Sichon Hospital, but doctors could not save the teenager. Later examinations showed sting marks on his chest, neck and arms.
Community mourns talented footballer
Family, classmates and neighbours gathered at Wat Prathumthaykaram to say goodbye. Nanthaphat lived with his grandparents and was known as a skilled footballer.
He had won several awards at youth tournaments. His cremation is set for Wednesday, August 5.
Imam: Jellyfish arrived much too early
Rahem Nuan, imam of the Darul Ibadah Mosque in Ban Fai Tha, expressed surprise.
Normally this type of jellyfish appears only in November, now it has been spotted as early as August.
said Rahem Nuan, imam.
A fatal jellyfish sting has never happened in the Sichon area before, he said. The incident caught the coastal community completely off guard.
Officials urge caution for swimmers
Local authorities renewed safety warnings after the incident. Four people were stung in total, three of them recovered.
Officials are urging residents and visitors to be especially vigilant along the Sichon coast after the early appearance of the fire jellyfish.