Latest news with #PortugueseManO'War
The Irish Sun
10-07-2025
- Climate
- The Irish Sun
Swarms of jellyfish ‘the size of dustbin lids' wash up on UK beaches – with MORE dangerous breed to arrive in 33C heat
SWARMS of jellyfish 'the size of dustbin lids' have been spotted washing up along UK beaches – and experts say even more could arrive as temperatures soar to 33C. Beaches across North Wales are currently being hit by swarms of giant barrel jellyfish, some growing to nearly a metre across. Advertisement 2 Several large barrel jellyfish have been photographed on the sand at Colwyn Bay beach, Conwy, in recent weeks Credit: Dawn Roberts/Daily Post Wales Visitors and locals are being urged to take extra care as marine heatwaves draw not only bigger but also more dangerous jellyfish closer to the UK's shores. Social media has been flooded with photos showing huge jellyfish along Gwynedd's west coast, with recent sightings in Conwy and Rhyl, Denbighshire. On July 7, Lisa Whittaker from Manchester discovered several washed up at Rhos-on-Sea beach. Valiantly trying to return one to the water, she soon realised it was likely already dead. Advertisement Read more on News 'Never in my life have I seen one like it – and probably never again,' she said. The recent marine heatwave is being blamed for the surge in sightings. Sea temperatures in parts of the Celtic Sea, English Channel and southern North Sea are currently 1.5C to 3C higher than normal – more like August than early July, according to the Met Office. Marine experts fear this warming is not just a one-off. Advertisement Most read in The Sun Frankie Hobro, director of Anglesey Sea Zoo, warned: 'We're now turning on our water chillers in May. "Ten years ago it was in July. Not only are we starting them earlier, we're having to keep them going for longer.' Bizarre moment Brit hols hotspot beach turns BLUE as it's left totally covered by swarm of stinging jellyfish She believes the jellyfish aren't getting bigger, but more of them are coming closer to shore. 'They are always big specimens out in deep waters,' she said. Advertisement 'But as the sea warms they're venturing closer to coastlines, and so we're seeing more of these bigger jellyfish washing up.' With beaches busier than ever during summer heatwaves, more sightings are being reported. 'With more people going to the coast, and swimming in our waters, it's inevitable that more specimens will be seen,' she added. While barrel jellyfish are mostly harmless – delivering a mild sting at worst – others are far more dangerous. Advertisement Frankie is particularly concerned about rising numbers of Portuguese man o' war jellyfish. What is the Portuguese man o' war? THE Portuguese Man O'War, often mistaken for a jellyfish, is actually a siphonophore – a colony of specialised organisms working together. Known for its deadly sting, this marine menace has tentacles that can stretch up to 30 feet and deliver excruciating pain and permanent scarring. In rare cases it can even cause death, particularly in individuals with allergies. Its vivid blue, purple, and pink hues serve as a natural warning to keep away. Although typically found drifting through the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean, sightings in the Mediterranean – especially around Mallorca and Menorca – have led to temporary beach closures in recent years. The Man O'War is a carnivorous predator, using its venom to paralyse small fish, shrimp, and plankton before dragging them into its digestive polyps. Despite its fearsome defences, it does have a few natural predators, including loggerhead turtles, blue sea slugs, and the remarkable man-of-war fish, which has evolved to live among its toxic tentacles. 'This was once an occasional visitor, in late August and September,' she said. 'Any that washed up were usually teeny. "Now they've become seasonal visitors, perhaps for several weeks, and we're seeing them earlier in the summer, pushed up by warmer currents and breezes from the Atlantic. Advertisement 'They have long tentacles and their stings are nasty, very unpleasant. "Unlike box jellyfish, the stings are unlikely to be fatal, but Portuguese man o' war are definitely the second nastiest jellyfish in the sea.' Frankie is urging beachgoers to be more prepared when entering the sea. 'We've always been a bit blasé about swimming or paddling in the sea,' she said. Advertisement 'Whereas people arriving here from overseas are more used to the dangers and come prepared. 'You can get sunburnt in the water very quickly and, with new threats emerging, my advice would be to always cover up.' She recommends UV-protective rash vests and swim boots to avoid stings from jellyfish or weever fish. Frankie warned that jellyfish stings are most likely in the surf zone, especially on the ankles – and old remedies like peeing on the sting can actually make it worse. Advertisement Instead, apply vinegar or lemon juice, and use a credit card to scrape off any remaining tentacles. Ice and anti-histamines can help with the pain. She added that jellyfish are sensitive to touch and can sting if handled, so it's best to avoid contact altogether. With marine life shifting rapidly due to climate change, Frankie warns this is just the beginning. 'Triggerfish, pufferfish, sunfish – even the Shortfin mako, the world's fastest shark – are making themselves more at home in UK waters,' she said. As Britain's seas warm up, holidaymakers may need to start treating our coastlines with the same caution as tropical ones. Advertisement And it's not just North Wales feeling the sting. Across the UK and even abroad, jellyfish sightings have been making headlines, with experts and beach patrols issuing warnings as unusual species wash up in growing numbers. In Cornwall, Meanwhile, in other coastal resorts, beachgoers were warned after deadly Advertisement Experts have also flagged a rise in What to do if stung by a jellyfish Cornish Watersports issued the following advice on Facebook after thousands of the stinger jellyfish washed up: 1. Rinse the affected area with seawater (not freshwater) 2. Remove any spines from the skin using tweezers or the edge of a bank card. 3. Soak the area in very warm water (as hot as can be tolerated) for at least 30 minutes – use hot flannels or towels if you cannot soak it. 4. Take painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen. 5. Obviously, if you are prone to have an allergic reaction to any stingers go straight to A&E. Cornwall Watersports also advice that those who get stung call NHS 111 for further advice. 2 Jellyfish are sensitive to touch and can sting if handled, so it's best to avoid contact altogether Credit: Lisa Leetz Whittaker
Scottish Sun
10-07-2025
- Climate
- Scottish Sun
Swarms of jellyfish ‘the size of dustbin lids' wash up on UK beaches – with MORE dangerous breed to arrive in 33C heat
One woman tried to push one back in JELL NO Swarms of jellyfish 'the size of dustbin lids' wash up on UK beaches – with MORE dangerous breed to arrive in 33C heat Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SWARMS of jellyfish 'the size of dustbin lids' have been spotted washing up along UK beaches – and experts say even more could arrive as temperatures soar to 33C. Beaches across North Wales are currently being hit by swarms of giant barrel jellyfish, some growing to nearly a metre across. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Several large barrel jellyfish have been photographed on the sand at Colwyn Bay beach, Conwy, in recent weeks Credit: Dawn Roberts/Daily Post Wales Visitors and locals are being urged to take extra care as marine heatwaves draw not only bigger but also more dangerous jellyfish closer to the UK's shores. Social media has been flooded with photos showing huge jellyfish along Gwynedd's west coast, with recent sightings in Conwy and Rhyl, Denbighshire. On July 7, Lisa Whittaker from Manchester discovered several washed up at Rhos-on-Sea beach. Valiantly trying to return one to the water, she soon realised it was likely already dead. 'Never in my life have I seen one like it – and probably never again,' she said. The recent marine heatwave is being blamed for the surge in sightings. Sea temperatures in parts of the Celtic Sea, English Channel and southern North Sea are currently 1.5C to 3C higher than normal – more like August than early July, according to the Met Office. Marine experts fear this warming is not just a one-off. Frankie Hobro, director of Anglesey Sea Zoo, warned: 'We're now turning on our water chillers in May. "Ten years ago it was in July. Not only are we starting them earlier, we're having to keep them going for longer.' Bizarre moment Brit hols hotspot beach turns BLUE as it's left totally covered by swarm of stinging jellyfish She believes the jellyfish aren't getting bigger, but more of them are coming closer to shore. 'They are always big specimens out in deep waters,' she said. 'But as the sea warms they're venturing closer to coastlines, and so we're seeing more of these bigger jellyfish washing up.' With beaches busier than ever during summer heatwaves, more sightings are being reported. 'With more people going to the coast, and swimming in our waters, it's inevitable that more specimens will be seen,' she added. While barrel jellyfish are mostly harmless – delivering a mild sting at worst – others are far more dangerous. Frankie is particularly concerned about rising numbers of Portuguese man o' war jellyfish. What is the Portuguese man o' war? THE Portuguese Man O'War, often mistaken for a jellyfish, is actually a siphonophore – a colony of specialised organisms working together. Known for its deadly sting, this marine menace has tentacles that can stretch up to 30 feet and deliver excruciating pain and permanent scarring. In rare cases it can even cause death, particularly in individuals with allergies. Its vivid blue, purple, and pink hues serve as a natural warning to keep away. Although typically found drifting through the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean, sightings in the Mediterranean – especially around Mallorca and Menorca – have led to temporary beach closures in recent years. The Man O'War is a carnivorous predator, using its venom to paralyse small fish, shrimp, and plankton before dragging them into its digestive polyps. Despite its fearsome defences, it does have a few natural predators, including loggerhead turtles, blue sea slugs, and the remarkable man-of-war fish, which has evolved to live among its toxic tentacles. 'This was once an occasional visitor, in late August and September,' she said. 'Any that washed up were usually teeny. "Now they've become seasonal visitors, perhaps for several weeks, and we're seeing them earlier in the summer, pushed up by warmer currents and breezes from the Atlantic. 'They have long tentacles and their stings are nasty, very unpleasant. "Unlike box jellyfish, the stings are unlikely to be fatal, but Portuguese man o' war are definitely the second nastiest jellyfish in the sea.' Frankie is urging beachgoers to be more prepared when entering the sea. 'We've always been a bit blasé about swimming or paddling in the sea,' she said. 'Whereas people arriving here from overseas are more used to the dangers and come prepared. 'You can get sunburnt in the water very quickly and, with new threats emerging, my advice would be to always cover up.' She recommends UV-protective rash vests and swim boots to avoid stings from jellyfish or weever fish. Frankie warned that jellyfish stings are most likely in the surf zone, especially on the ankles – and old remedies like peeing on the sting can actually make it worse. Instead, apply vinegar or lemon juice, and use a credit card to scrape off any remaining tentacles. Ice and anti-histamines can help with the pain. She added that jellyfish are sensitive to touch and can sting if handled, so it's best to avoid contact altogether. With marine life shifting rapidly due to climate change, Frankie warns this is just the beginning. 'Triggerfish, pufferfish, sunfish – even the Shortfin mako, the world's fastest shark – are making themselves more at home in UK waters,' she said. As Britain's seas warm up, holidaymakers may need to start treating our coastlines with the same caution as tropical ones. And it's not just North Wales feeling the sting. Across the UK and even abroad, jellyfish sightings have been making headlines, with experts and beach patrols issuing warnings as unusual species wash up in growing numbers. In Cornwall, thousands of venomous Mauve Stingers with 10ft tentacles caused what locals described as 'apocalyptic scenes' as they washed ashore. Meanwhile, in other coastal resorts, beachgoers were warned after deadly Portuguese man o' war jellyfish were found on the sand, prompting safety cordons and urgent alerts. Experts have also flagged a rise in Compass, Lion's Mane, and Moon jellyfish across the south coast as sea temperatures climb. What to do if stung by a jellyfish Cornish Watersports issued the following advice on Facebook after thousands of the stinger jellyfish washed up: 1. Rinse the affected area with seawater (not freshwater) 2. Remove any spines from the skin using tweezers or the edge of a bank card. 3. Soak the area in very warm water (as hot as can be tolerated) for at least 30 minutes – use hot flannels or towels if you cannot soak it. 4. Take painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen. 5. Obviously, if you are prone to have an allergic reaction to any stingers go straight to A&E. Cornwall Watersports also advice that those who get stung call NHS 111 for further advice.
The Irish Sun
12-06-2025
- The Irish Sun
World's most dangerous jellyfish with killer sting washes up in Brit hols hotspot as cops cordon off beach
A BEACH on one of Britain's favourite sunshine getaways was turned into a danger zone after the world's most dangerous jellyfish washed ashore. The Portuguese Man O'War was discovered in Cala en Porter, a popular beach in 4 A Portuguese Man O'War jellyfish washed ashore on one of Britain's favourite holiday hotspots Credit: Alamy 4 The dangerous creature was found by a beachgoer in Cala en Porter, Menorca Credit: Getty Lifeguards then quickly retried the deadly drifter, cordoning off a wide section of the beach before local cops swooped in to take over. The creature - which isn't technically a jellyfish but a colonial organism - is rarely seen outside the open Atlantic. It can cause permanent scars or even kill people with allergies. Even if you are not near its head, the trailing tentacles can give you a painful sting when you least expect it. Read more Menorca stories Highlighting its deceptive beauty, authorities warned: 'It has an intense poisonous colour in purple, blue and pink.' The appearance follows a jaw-dropping jellyfish invasion in the The In an incredible video, the popular beach looked like a scene from a sci-fi movie, blanketed in vivid blue jellyfish that left stunned tourists steering clear. Most read in The Sun Experts say the jellyfish surge is linked to warming seas and rising pollution, as jellyfish thrive in low-oxygen zones where other marine life can't survive. Spanish Beaches Close Due to Dangerous Sea Creature Back in Menorca, the man-of-war is a stark reminder that beachgoers must stay alert. 'Touching the mollusc can cause permanent scars and, in extreme cases, even lead to death in people with allergies,' beach officials reiterated. Local authorities are monitoring the waters and warn tourists not to approach any strange blobs they spot on the sand – no matter how pretty they look. Last year, thousands of venomous jellyfish were Mauve Stingers, also known as Pelagia noctiluca, were found both in the water and dead in the sand. While their stings are not lethal, they are known to be quite painful. The Mauve Stinger can grow up to 10cm across while its tentacles can be up to 10 feet long. 4 The creature has dangerous tentacles that can stretch up to 30 feet Credit: Alamy 4 In rare cases, the Man O'War's sting can even cause death, especially in people with allergies Credit: Getty The jellyfish are purple or blue in colour, hence the name Mauve, and were spotted on a 30-mile stretch of coastline between Falmouth and St Austell. Rachael Edmans, the beachgoer in Falmouth who spotted the apocalyptic scene, was shocked to see just how many had been washed up as she went for a paddle in the sea. "I was very surprised to see so many mauve stingers," she said. "Usually we see lots of compass jellyfish. But never that many." Alison Wilcock spotted thousands of the sea creatures on the beaches of St Austell. "We usually get a few every year but nothing like this," she said of the thousands of dangerous blobs scattering the beach. "The whole of St Austell is teeming with them." What is the Portuguese man o' war? THE Portuguese Man O'War, often mistaken for a jellyfish, is actually a siphonophore – a colony of specialised organisms working together. Known for its deadly sting, this marine menace has tentacles that can stretch up to 30 feet and deliver excruciating pain and permanent scarring. In rare cases it can even cause death, particularly in individuals with allergies. Its vivid blue, purple, and pink hues serve as a natural warning to keep away. Although typically found drifting through the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean, sightings in the Mediterranean – especially around Mallorca and Menorca – have led to temporary beach closures in recent years. The Man O'War is a carnivorous predator, using its venom to paralyse small fish, shrimp, and plankton before dragging them into its digestive polyps. Despite its fearsome defences, it does have a few natural predators, including loggerhead turtles, blue sea slugs, and the remarkable man-of-war fish, which has evolved to live among its toxic tentacles.
Scottish Sun
12-06-2025
- Scottish Sun
World's most dangerous jellyfish with killer sting washes up in Brit hols hotspot as cops cordon off beach
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A BEACH on one of Britain's favourite sunshine getaways was turned into a danger zone after the world's most dangerous jellyfish washed ashore. The Portuguese Man O'War was discovered in Cala en Porter, a popular beach in Menorca after a beachgoer spotted the bizarre-looking blob on the sand. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 A Portuguese Man O'War jellyfish washed ashore on one of Britain's favourite holiday hotspots Credit: Alamy 4 The dangerous creature was found by a beachgoer in Cala en Porter, Menorca Credit: Getty Lifeguards then quickly retried the deadly drifter, cordoning off a wide section of the beach before local cops swooped in to take over. The creature - which isn't technically a jellyfish but a colonial organism - is rarely seen outside the open Atlantic. It can cause permanent scars or even kill people with allergies. Even if you are not near its head, the trailing tentacles can give you a painful sting when you least expect it. Highlighting its deceptive beauty, authorities warned: 'It has an intense poisonous colour in purple, blue and pink.' The appearance follows a jaw-dropping jellyfish invasion in the Canary Islands. The popular Playa del Cura in Gran Canaria turned blue after a storm dumped tens of thousands of stinging jellyfish onto the sand. In an incredible video, the popular beach looked like a scene from a sci-fi movie, blanketed in vivid blue jellyfish that left stunned tourists steering clear. Experts say the jellyfish surge is linked to warming seas and rising pollution, as jellyfish thrive in low-oxygen zones where other marine life can't survive. Spanish Beaches Close Due to Dangerous Sea Creature Back in Menorca, the man-of-war is a stark reminder that beachgoers must stay alert. 'Touching the mollusc can cause permanent scars and, in extreme cases, even lead to death in people with allergies,' beach officials reiterated. Local authorities are monitoring the waters and warn tourists not to approach any strange blobs they spot on the sand – no matter how pretty they look. Last year, thousands of venomous jellyfish were found on the beaches of Cornwall. Mauve Stingers, also known as Pelagia noctiluca, were found both in the water and dead in the sand. While their stings are not lethal, they are known to be quite painful. The Mauve Stinger can grow up to 10cm across while its tentacles can be up to 10 feet long. 4 The creature has dangerous tentacles that can stretch up to 30 feet Credit: Alamy 4 In rare cases, the Man O'War's sting can even cause death, especially in people with allergies Credit: Getty The jellyfish are purple or blue in colour, hence the name Mauve, and were spotted on a 30-mile stretch of coastline between Falmouth and St Austell. Rachael Edmans, the beachgoer in Falmouth who spotted the apocalyptic scene, was shocked to see just how many had been washed up as she went for a paddle in the sea. "I was very surprised to see so many mauve stingers," she said. "Usually we see lots of compass jellyfish. But never that many." Alison Wilcock spotted thousands of the sea creatures on the beaches of St Austell. "We usually get a few every year but nothing like this," she said of the thousands of dangerous blobs scattering the beach. "The whole of St Austell is teeming with them."
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Yahoo
What are these alien-looking slugs that wash ashore beaches?
Beachgoers venturing out into the ocean should be cautious and aware of a small but dangerous sea creature that could be lurking - the Blue Sea Dragon. These fascinating marine animals are known for their vibrant blue and white colors, with wing-like appendages. Much like the infamous Portuguese Man O' War, Blue Sea Dragons are capable of delivering a venomous sting, making any encounter potentially painful. Over the last few years, sightings of Blue Sea Dragons have been reported in states such as Florida, Texas and North Carolina, especially during times of onshore flow. According to the National Park Service, these marine creatures are pushed ashore during periods of increased winds and swells. What Do The Different Flags At The Beach Mean? Blue Sea Dragons are typically small, measuring less than an inch long, but despite their size, they pack a potent amount of venom, which they use for both hunting and self-defense. According to the Department of the Interior, Blue Sea Dragons feed on much larger marine life, including the venomous Portuguese Man O' War, which is often where they get their poison from. Marine experts note that these creatures are often found in groups, referred to as a "blue fleet," and are constantly drifting on top of the water. While it may be tempting to touch or get a close-up look at these intriguing sea creatures, the National Park Service advises against direct contact due to the risk of venomous stings. The stings can lead to painful health reactions, including intense pain and allergic reactions. The sea slugs are known to lay nearly two dozen eggs at a time on debris or carcasses of animals they encounter in the ocean and these eggs hatch in just days, according to the Department of the Interior. To protect swimmers and beachgoers, lifeguards often hoist purple flags along the beach when dangerous marine life is present. What Is A Rip Current And How To Survive One The range of Blue Sea Dragons is thought to be expanding due to rising ocean temperatures. While they have traditionally been found in certain parts of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans, warmer waters are allowing these creatures to spread further across the globe. This means that beachgoers around the world may need to be more vigilant when venturing into the water during periods such as spring break, Memorial Day, Labor Day and the busy summer article source: What are these alien-looking slugs that wash ashore beaches?
