A MAN has been stung by an irukandji jellyfish when he was splashed with seawater while fishing from a bulk carrier off north Queensland.

The 45-year-old Filipino man was in a "distressed and very agitated state" following the incident - which occurred 25 metres above sea level at Abbot Point north of Bowen late yesterday afternoon, the Courier-Mail reports.

The RACQ - CQ Rescue helicopter was tasked to the Singaporean-registered bulk carrier Konmax where crew immediately provided pain relief to the victim.

After some initial communication difficulties because of his distress, the crew was able to determine the patient had been fishing from the ship when the sting occurred.

Air crewman Geoff Abrahams said it was an "incredible case".

"Realistically, what are the chances of being stung by a jellyfish when you are safely on board a bulk carrier, 25 metres above the water," Mr Abrahams said.

"This is one of the most fascinating tasks I've worked on."

He said it was not clear if the jellyfish was in the water that splashed him or on his fishing line when he brought it out of the water.

Irukandji are very small stingers – measuring up to 2cm in diameter with four thin tentacles hanging down.

The victim was airlifted to Mackay Hospital where it was confirmed he was suffering the effects of an irukandji sting.

He is now listed as stable.