Beachgoers are being urged to keep an eye out for Portuguese Man of War jellyfish, following three findings on beaches in the south of the Island over the last couple of days.
A spokesperson for DAFF's Wildlife and Conservation division warns, "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."
The Portuguese Man of War has a distinctive inflated 'sail' that floats above the surface of the sea and the stinging tentacles can be over 10 metres long.
The specimen shown is 8 centimetres in length but the creature can grow to 30 centimetres.
Although it is commonly called a jellyfish, the Portuguese Man of War is actually a colony of animals called hydrozoans.
They are usually found in warmer waters but occasionally find their way into the cooler waters of the British Isles.
Treating a Portuguese Man of War Sting
If someone is stung by a Portuguese Man of War, ideally rubber gloves should be worn and tweezers used to remove any stings remaining and the area washed well with salt water.
Soaking the affected area in warm fresh water (bath temperature) can help relieve pain.
People should not rub the sting or apply vinegar: while vinegar can help with other jellyfish stings, it makes Portuguese Man of War stings worse.
If you are concerned, or if the person who has been stung is very young or very old, medical advice should be sought as soon as possible (see links below).
"These unusual visitors are not a cause for alarm," the spokesperson adds, "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.
Pictured: A Portuguese Man of War found on a Manx beach at the weekend by a local beachcomber.
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