UPDATED: Portuguese man o’ war have been washing up on the Island’s shores this week with sightings reported at Yaverland and Compton.
The siphonophore – a similar creature to a jellyfish – causes an incredibly painful sting which in some cases can prove fatal. Although most people suffer whip-like injuries, the venom can travel to the lymph nodes and may cause symptoms that mimic an allergic reaction including swelling of the larynx, airway blockage, cardiac distress and an inability to breathe.
Island Echo readers have reported seeing 7 of these ‘floating terrors’ at Yaverland, Sandown this morning (Sunday), with further sightings earlier in the week at both Yaverland and Compton, off Military Road.
With the nickname ‘floating terror’, the Portuguese man o’ war are certainly something to avoid.
Anyone who spots what they believe to be a man o’ war on the beach should avoid making any contact with it, even if it appears dead.
UPDATE @ 14:28 – Chris Sallows for the UK Coastguard has today said:
“We are aware of these sightings after receiving multiple reports from members of the public yesterday and today. Until an accurate identification is made, members of the public are advised to keep away from these jellyfish and report any sighting to the their local council.
“The Coastguard has also advised the local councils of these recent sightings.
Article continues below this advertisement “Stings from Portuguese Man o War can be very painful and potentially harmful to humans and dogs alike.”
