Poisonous Portuguese man o' war washed up on Cornish coast

Conservationists warn beach-goers in the south-west to look out for jellyfish-like creatures that can deliver potentially deadly sting
One of the eight deadly Portuguese Man O' Wars jellyfish on Whitsand beach in Cornwall
One of the eight Portuguese man o'war that washed up on Whitsand beach in Cornwall. Photograph: Jessica Mansford/SWNS

Conservationists are warning beach-goers in the south-west to look out for poisonous Portuguese man o'war that are washing up on beaches on the south coast of Cornwall and Devon.

The translucent pink and purple floating creatures, which look like jellyfish, can deliver a painful sting which can potentially trigger a deadly allergic reaction.

Tom Hardy, marine conservation officer with the Cornwall Wildlife Trust, said the organisation was still pulling together information of beach sightings. "They are popping up along the south coast of Cornwall," he said. "We're getting more reports but I couldn't give you a clear number."

He said that strandings of the creatures, whose name refers to their triangular air-filled bag which resembles the sail of Portuguese war ships from the 15th and 16th century, are common at this time of year. Warmer summer waters mean they can survive close to British shores from where they are blown onto the coast. "Our main message is that we don't the public to panic but be careful and be aware that they are there," said Hardy.

If you are unlucky enough to be stung, remove the tentacles carefully without touching them - for example with a towel or the corner of a credit card. If you have a reaction to the stings seek medical help from a lifeguard or doctor. Washing the area with salt water will help but using vinegar or urine, which can work on some jellyfish stings, will not be effective.

Hardy said a serious allergic reaction is very unlikely, although young children and older people are most at risk. "The reason they are renowned is because they give a very painful sting," he said.

The Portuguese man o'war, which is also known as a blue bottle, is related to jellyfish but belongs to a different group of creatures called the siphonophores. It is not one animal, but in fact a colony of individuals.

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