Beach goers on Anglesey are being warned to be on the look-out for the poisonous Portuguese Man o’ war.
The County Council’s Maritime staff yesterday picked up close to 50 washed up at beaches including Porthdafarch, Porth-y-Post and Rhoscolyn.
The jellyfish-like creatures can deliver a painful sting which could in some cases leading to a dangerous allergic reaction. The Portuguese man o’ war is translucent, and pink and purple in colour and was given its name as its airbag can look like the sail of 16th century Portuguese warship.
Maritime Officer Duncan Brown explained, “The Portuguese man o’ war is usually found in much warmer climates, but strong winds may have been responsible for blowing them on to our shores.
“Thankfully, the bank holiday weekend didn’t offer much in terms of weather for bathing and we have now erected signs warning beach-goers about their presence.”
He added, “I would urge those venturing into the sea around west Anglesey during the coming weeks to be vigilant and bear in mind that the Portugese Man o’ war could still be in and around our waters.”
The Man o’ war is not a real jellyfish, but a siphonophore, a single animal made up of a colony of organisms, which normally lives far out in the ocean.
If stung, you should remove the tentacles carefully without touching it, possibly with a towel. Washing the area with salt water will help. If you have a reaction to the sting seek medical help.
There were also Man o’ war sightings around Cornwall and Pembrokeshire earlier this summer.
If you spot a Man o’war on one of Anglesey’s beaches, please contact the Council’s Maritime Section on 07990 531594 or 07747 006167.
