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First spring sightings of Poisonous Portugese Man o War off Alicante coast
The species with an excruciating sting has been spotted off El Campello, Denia and Villajoyosa
Portugese Man o'War have been sighted off the coast of several Alicante beaches for the first time this spring. While rarely deadly, the species packs a mighty punch, and its sting can be excruciatingly painful.
The Institute of Coastal Ecology has confirmed that the movement of large bodies of water has attracted these dangerous jellyfish-like organisms to the coast of El Campello, Denia and Villajoyosa.
The Portuguese Man o’War, (Physalia physalis) is often referred to as a jellyfish, but is actually a species of siphonophore, a group of closely-related animals.
Its tentacles are packed with coiled, barbed tubes that deliver venom capable of paralysing and killing small fish and crustaceans. And although their sting is rarely fatal among humans, they pose a risk to bathers and can cause fever, shock and respiratory problems.
Juan Guillén, a scientist from the Institute of Coastal Ecology, said: "It is not really strange that they have reached our shores, it is normal at this time of year but doesn't always occur."
The scientist and his colleagues were tipped off to the species' presence by "trusted sources" who provided them with images. However, they have since visited the areas where they were spotted and report that water currents have since driven the Man O'War back out to sea.
They are usually found in the open sea in warm waters, generally in tropical and subtropical regions of the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
Guillén added: "This is a species that does not kill humans but poses a danger to swimmers and if it stings you it could paralyse you and could cause drowning.
"If a Portuguese Man O'War is sighted, the first thing to do is notify the beach surveillance services who know the protocol to follow in these cases".
However, beach surveillance services usually run from June, so the experts advise calling 112, "since it is a dangerous creature".
"They can notify surveillance boats, local police or even the Guardia Civil so that they can take the necessary measures regarding the beach and public safety."
The Institute of Coastal Ecology has also warned against approaching a Portuguese Man O'War stranded on the sand.
"Do not touch them even if the animal is dead, since its tentacles still secrete a toxin."
Image: Archive
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