Two teenage boys have reunited with the Marine Rescue Queensland volunteers who helped save their lives after a frightening Irukandji sting incident off Cape Upstart, about 30 kilometres south of Home Hill.
What began as a normal day on the water for Dan Horan, his son Hudson and Hudson’s friend Tanner quickly turned into a race against time when both boys were stung while swimming on February 1.
With no mobile phone coverage and the boys needing urgent medical attention, Dan turned to the boat’s radio. Senior Radio Operator Dawn Ordorica answered immediately, who contacted triple zero, staying in constant communication with Dan throughout the 25‑minute dash back to shore where emergency crews were already waiting.
Dan, Hudson and Tanner visited the MRQ Burdekin unit to thank Dawn and Paul in person, a moment Paul described as “unreal” after witnessing how quickly early intervention had made a difference.
Marine Rescue Queensland is again urging boaties to log on and off with their local unit and to use VHF16 in an emergency. For Dawn and Paul, the reunion was a rare and rewarding chance to see the boys healthy, smiling and back on their feet — a reminder of why they do what they do.
