A box jellyfish. (PNA file photo)
CEBU CITY – Beach activities in Cebu province’s diving and snorkeling town of Moalboal are suspended following the sighting of box jellyfish, the local government said in an advisory on Tuesday.
According to the advisory, island hopping and snorkeling activities are not allowed until further notice after the local station of the Philippine Coast Guard in the town received information from beachgoers on the presence of several box jellyfish.
After jellyfish were seen floating near the Panagsama beach on Tuesday, at least four beachgoers reportedly started to experience itchiness around their bodies.
“The victims were brought to Badian District Hospital,” PCG-Moalboal Station member Petty Officer 2 Robinsons Casabuena said.
He said the beachgoers noticed weird red marks appearing on their skin after close contact with the box jellyfish.
Commonly found in the seawaters around Thailand, Philippines, and off the coast of northern Australia, box jellyfish are among the most venomous marine creatures.
Moalboal, a 4th-class municipality located about 88 kilometers southwest of Cebu City, is a popular tourist destination for divers. (PNA)
