Two teenage boys have been reunited with the Marine Rescue Queensland volunteers who played a critical role in saving their lives following a Irukandji sting off the North Queensland coast earlier this month.

On the morning of 1 February, Dan Horan was enjoying a day on the water near Cape Upstart with his son Hudson and Hudson’s friend Tanner when both boys were stung by an Irukandji jellyfish while swimming.

With the boys requiring urgent medical attention and no mobile phone coverage available, Dan used the vessel’s marine radio to call for help. The distress call was received by Senior Radio Operator Dawn Ordorica at MRQ Burdekin.

Dawn immediately alerted on-call duty officer Paul Quagliata, who contacted Triple Zero while maintaining radio communications with the vessel. Paul remained in constant contact with Dan during the 25-minute journey back to the nearest boat ramp, providing guidance and ensuring clear access for emergency services upon arrival.

On Thursday, 12 February, Dan, Hudson and Tanner visited the MRQ Burdekin unit to personally thank Dawn and Paul for their calm, professional response.

Dan said hearing Dawn’s voice over the radio provided instant reassurance.

“As soon as I heard Dawn’s voice on the radio, I knew that I had contact and that she’d be able to organise a Triple Zero call,” he said.

Paul said emergency services were dispatched within minutes of the initial radio call and highlighted the incident as a reminder for boaties to be properly prepared.

“It was less than seven minutes from the radio call being received to emergency services being activated,” he said.

“Without mobile phone coverage, Dan’s options were quite limited. Having a working radio made all the difference.”
Paul said reuniting with the family was a rare and rewarding moment.

“Quite often we don’t hear the outcome — we just do that initial response,” he said.

“To see the boys healthy again and knowing early intervention helped them get the care they needed so quickly, that’s really special.”

Dawn said the incident reinforced the importance of having up-to-date safety equipment on board.

“Make sure your safety gear is current, easy to access and that you know how to use it,” she said.

MRQ reminds all boaties to log on and off with their local Marine Rescue unit.

Call 131 MRQ (131 677) if you need assistance, and remember — in an emergency, always use VHF 16 or call Triple Zero (000). Check with your local marine rescue unit for the best frequency (VHF Channel 80 for MRQ Burdekin).