Failed Cuba-to-Florida swimmer was surprised by jellyfish

Australian suffered painful mouth wounds

Australian swimmer Chloe McCardel waves to spectators as she begins her swim to Florida from the waters off Havana, Cuba, Wednesday.

HAVANA — The Australian who had to give up her quest to swim from Cuba to Florida because of jellyfish stings said her run-in with the creatures was unexpected.

Chloe McCardel told The Associated Press today that she had picked this time of year for her swim because the jellyfish danger is lower.

But late Wednesday, she found herself in a swarm and was severely stung, including painful wounds inside her mouth. The pain was so great that she had to give up her swim after 12 hours, about a fifth of the way through her 110-mile, 60-hour swim.

She was taken by boat to Key West, Fla., where she was recovering today at a hotel.