Cover image via Bernama/New Straits Times
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A 2-year-old Russian boy has died four days after being stung by a jellyfish while swimming at Cenang Beach in Langkawi on Saturday, 15 November
According to Bernama, the boy, Vladimir — the son of Russian tourists Nikita Iakubanets and Olga, both 32 — passed away at Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah (HSB) in Alor Setar on Wednesday morning, 19 November.
He was pronounced dead at 9.46am.
Nikita told reporters that doctors had determined the injuries on Vladimir's legs were caused by a box jellyfish sting.
"The doctor said our child had very big injuries on his legs. The injuries were caused by a jellyfish sting and that it was a box jellyfish," he said.
Despite their grief, the couple said they do not intend to take legal action or hold anyone responsible for the tragedy
Instead, they hoped Vladimir's death would raise public awareness about the dangers posed by box jellyfish.
"We believe this was the purpose of his life — to save others, to prevent future tragedies. Vladimir was very kind, very smart. We were a happy family," Nikita said.
Olga said they hoped their son's passing would carry meaning, as he had always shown affection and a natural inclination to help others.
"Our son is our hero. He is our little angel. Every day, we told him we loved him, and he always said he loved us too," she said.
The couple also expressed deep gratitude to the medical team at HSB for doing their best to save their son.
Box jellyfish are among the world's most venomous marine animals.
Image via Malay MailRecalling the incident, Nikita said they were swimming at the beach when Vladimir suddenly screamed in pain
Olga immediately carried him ashore and attempted CPR before rushing him to a nearby clinic.
He was later referred to Hospital Sultanah Maliha in Langkawi before being transferred to HSB.
This was the family's first visit to Malaysia. They arrived on 14 November and had planned to stay until 26 November.
The couple now plans to cremate their son and bring his ashes home to Khabarovsk, Russia.
The Kedah Fisheries Department has since confirmed the presence of box jellyfish in Langkawi waters over the past few days
However, department director Sukri Deris said the sightings this year are at a moderate level and not severe enough to halt recreational activities entirely.
"Nevertheless, their presence is still significant enough to pose a danger to activities in these waters, whether recreational or other commercial activities such as fishing," he said in a statement on Wednesday.
