Nature

By Elizabeth Reby

These amazing creatures can inflict a painful sting, even when they are dead.
Portuguese Man-of-War swarm in large groups, so it's rare to discover just one. Recently several have been washed up on local beaches.

Fiona Gell from the Wildlife and Conservation Division at the Isle of Man Government said “The distinctive Portuguese Man-of-War is not a true jellyfish, but a floating colony of closely-related hydrozoans that normally live at the surface of the open ocean. The colony floats from the bottom of an air-filled float, and has many long thin tentacles hanging below that it uses to catch fish.

“These beautiful creatures are toxic so if you do see one, do not touch it and keep away as the stinging tentacles can be very long. They can still give a nasty sting even when they are dead.

“These unusual visitors are not a cause for alarm – just be vigilant, don’t touch them and make sure children know not to touch them. Please report any sightings to DAFF (843109) or the Coastguard via the Marine Operations Centre (MOC) on 686628 (24hr manned line) or failing that, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard."

Sting advice

Recommended treatment for Man-of-War stings includes immediate removal of any tentacles with tweezers, wearing rubber gloves (do not rub the affected area as this will only spread the sting) and by washing in lots of saltwater first.

This can be followed by immersion of the affected areas in warm, fresh water (no warmer than bath temperature) for 20 minutes. Alternative recommendations include the application of an ice pack once the stings have been removed, to help ease inflammation.

Under no circumstance should vinegar be used on stings from this animal as this can make them worse. Anyone who is worried about a Portuguese Man-of-War sting should immediately consult a doctor.

Although Portuguese Man-of-War jellyfish are quite rare in our waters, the Isle of Man Wildlife and Conservation Division has had three reports this month from along the south coast.