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Alert after venomous Portuguese Man O'War wash-up on Cornish shores

They've been spotted on beaches across the south west and are thought to give out a nasty sting.

Author: Jo Symes Published 13th Nov 2020
Last updated 13th Nov 2020

A alert has been given out after the Portuguese Man O'War has been spotted, washed up on Cornwall's shores.

Several of the creatures were discovered in Falmouth and other areas of the southwest shoreline, and are usually mistaken for jellyfish.

It is suspected that recent bad weather is the reason why so many in the area have unexpectedly washed up.

Public members were advised not to touch the animals or allow their pets to get near because they can give you a "nasty sting".

"The Coastguard have been informed of multiple Portuguese Man O’War being washed up on the beaches and along the shoreline in West Cornwall, after the rough weather over the last couple of days.

_"Please do not touch these beautiful creatures and keep your pets away from them as they can give a nasty sting."_

Spokesperson, HM Coastguard

Most stings from sea creatures in the UK are not serious and can be treated with first aid. Sometimes you may need to go to hospital.

Symptoms of sea creature stings:

  • The main symptoms of sea creature stings are intense pain where you're stung and an itchy rash.
  • Jellyfish and Portuguese man-of-war stings can also cause raised circular areas on the skin (welts).

HM Coastguard has issued advice on what to do and what not to do if you are stung: Symptoms of sea creature stings:

DO

  • Rinse the affected area with seawater (not fresh water).
  • Remove any spines from the skin using tweezers or the edge of a bank card.
  • 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.
  • Take painkillers like paracetamol or Ibuprofen

DON’T

  • Do not use vinegar
  • Do not pee on the sting
  • Do not apply ice or a cold pack
  • Do not cover or close the wound
  • Ask a lifeguard or someone with first aid training for help.
  • We advise that you always visit a lifeguarded beach.

You can find a list of current lifeguarded beaches across Cornwall on the RNLI website here.

If in any doubt and you need help call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.