The Sussex Wildlife Trust is warning people to be careful on Sussex beaches after a Portuguese Man O’ War washed up on Shoreham beach.
The sea creatures can cause incredibly painful stings which in some cases csn be fatal.
Scores have been washed up on beaches in the south west in recent weeks, with marine experts blaming strong westerly winds pounding the British coastline.
The Sussex Wildlife Trust said: “Portuguese Man O’ War have been spotted around the UK’s western coast for a couple of weeks now and they have finally made it to Sussex. This one was spotted today near Shoreham.
“Despite its similar appearance, this isn’t a jellyfish, a man o’ war is a siphonophore – a type of an animal that is made up of a colony of organisms working together.
“The gas-filled bladder, acts as a sail. Their long tentacles can result in a painful sting so please don’t touch if you see one.”
I spotted one today, washed up on the beach at Seven Sisters
We have seen loads of these washed up on the pebble ridge on Ynyslas beach opposite Aberdovey, Wales ….. at first thought they were some weird form of,plastic that popped when trodden on …… glad to say our dogs were more,interested in chasing gulls …….
There’s currently one on the first beach on the East side of Shoreham Harbour sea wall.
there were more than 10 along seaton beach
In Australia, we just ignore them and go swimming. They are freaking everywhere. Minor nucence. Your dog is fine. No more of a menace to society than a bee sting. If you get stung put household vinegar on the sting to immediately neutralize the pain. Our life guards usually carry it.
Get back to worrying about something more important like Brexit.
Brexit isn’t important to us, that’s why we’re casually messing around with it.