Alarm on popular beaches. Tourists seriously at risk
Portuguese sailors appeared on the Atlantic coast of Europe. Specimens thrown onto the sand are also dangerous. The services warn that the situation is serious.
Tourists relaxing on the Atlantic Ocean should be especially careful. Portuguese sailors appeared off the coast of France and the Iberian Peninsula, and contact with the skin causes very painful burns. In France, the organisms were observed, among others, in Brittany, the Basque Country and the Landes department. At some swimming areas, local authorities introduced temporary bans on entering the water or displayed red flags. Restrictions may change with the direction of wind and sea currents, so it is worth checking the rescuers’ announcements on an ongoing basis. The current warnings concern the French Adriatic coast.
It’s not a jellyfish. What is a Portuguese sailor?
Although it resembles a jellyfish, the Portuguese jellyfish is a colony of closely cooperating organisms. It is held afloat by a blue-purple gas-filled bladder that may look like a plastic bag floating on water.
The greatest threat to tourists lies beneath the surface. The body is connected to long, difficult to see tentacles equipped with cnidarian cells. The organism does not move on its own – it is carried towards the shore by wind, waves and currents.
Don’t touch the Portuguese sailor on the sand
The services also warn not to approach specimens washed ashore. The dead sailor and detached fragments of its tentacles can still sting. The toxic properties may persist for many hours or even days.
Skin contact usually causes immediate, burning pain and red marks. You may also experience nausea, dizziness, muscle cramps, vomiting or difficulty breathing. Severe reactions are rare but require urgent attention.
What to do after a Portuguese sailor gets burned?
Get out of the water immediately and notify the lifeguard. The irritated area should not be rubbed or poured with fresh water. The remains of the tentacles can be carefully removed with tweezers or a gloved hand, and the skin can be rinsed with sea water. First aid recommendations can be found on sites such as the Divers Alert Network.
If you experience shortness of breath, fainting, severe dizziness, vomiting or unusually severe pain, seek medical help immediately.
