World's Best Job: what a sting

Southall stung during his last week in 'the world's best job'

Ben Southall, the man in the 'best job in the world', was stung by a jellyfish and risked his life during his last week on duty.

Having beaten over 34.000 applicants and secured the position of caretaker of Hamilton Island, a $134,000-a-year position, Southall was the envy of millions of nature and adventure lovers. After almost six months of "successfully avoiding contact with any of the dangerous critters that consider this part of the world their home," Southall was stung by a minuscule Irujandji jellyfish as he dismounted from his jet ski last Tuesday.

Virtually invisible to the naked eye, the Irujandji passes easily throughout the nets that protect swimming spots in the area from larger jellyfish; its sting can be lethal, and was responsible for the death of two tourists in 2002.

Southall reported a "little sting on the beach" on his virtual diary after his encounter with the jellyfish; fever, headache, high blood pressure and other symptoms led doctors to diagnose and treat the sting.

The 34-year-old Brit, who has made a full recovery, admitted he had been unprepared for the encounter: "It's not something to be messed around with. I really should have been wearing a full stinger suit, as is recommended at all beaches here this time of year," he said.

Southall's contract in the world's best job expired on December 31st, but he will be travelling the world as Queensland Tourism Ambassador for the next 18 months.