Two confirmed Irukandji stings in less than a week prompt Cable Beach closures and stinger drags

Cable Beach has been closed for 24 hours for the second time this week after another swimmer was stung by a deadly Irukandji jellyfish earlier this morning. Broome Hospital confirmed the most recent sting occurred near the Cable Beach Surf Club just after 9am on April 27, with the first one reported on April 23 at around 3.30pm in front of Zanders. Irukandji are the smallest and one of the most venomous jellyfish in the world, with around 100 hospital admissions globally each year. Their sting induces excruciating pain, a high heart rate and blood pressure, and psychological phenomena commonly known as Irukandji syndrome. Symptoms can last from just a few hours to weeks. Cable Beach head lifeguard Kevin Emery has been alerting locals to the confirmed stings and beach closures via the West Coast Water Safety Facebook page, as well as conducting stinger drags across Cable Beach. Mr Emery said recent weather events including Cyclone Ilsa have flushed Broome creeks and mangroves, the breeding grounds of Irukandji, out into the open sea. “It’s a combination of the winds, the weather and the cyclone that are stirring everything up and that’s what’s caused the problem,” he said. “We think it’s currents and tidal conditions that push the odd one or two (Irukandji) out, but not a lot of them.” While Irukandji stings at Cable Beach aren’t common, Mr Emery highlights those who wish to avoid venomous jellyfish stings at the popular Broome beach must swim between the flags. “In the flagged area of Cable Beach where you swim, there has never been an Irukandji sting,” he said. “But to the north in front of Zanders and to the south towards Gantheaume Point, there’s been stings.” First aid for Irukandji stings must be administered immediately, with vinegar stations set up around various points on Cable Beach for pain relief. There have been reports of a third Irukandji sting earlier in the week, but it has yet to be confirmed. Broome Hospital has been contacted for comment.