HUNDREDS of swimmers have been stung by Portuguese Man O’ Wars in northern Spain as a surge in sightings fuels concern amongst beachgoers.
The jellyfish-like marine creatures, which can deliver intensely painful stings through their long venomous tentacles, prompted ‘yellow flag’ warnings in Cantabria after more than 800 people were treated for stings in July, according to the Red Cross.
The creatures have also been causing problems in the neighbouring Basque Country, where beaches have also been flying warning flags as sightings continue.
Seven people were treated across the region on Monday after coming into contact with the creatures, including a nine-year-old boy and several adults who were taken to hospital or health centres.
Lifeguards around San Sebastian have reported fewer people entering the water, while several surf schools have cancelled lessons because of the risk of stings.
Portuguese Man O’ Wars have become an increasingly familiar sight along Spain’s northern coast in recent years, with experts linking their presence to warmer sea temperatures.
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The creatures are not actually jellyfish, but colonial organisms known as siphonophores.
They float on the surface using a distinctive blue-purple sail, while their long tentacles can stretch several metres beneath the water.
The tentacles contain venomous stinging cells which can cause intense pain, burning and marks on the skin.
The creatures cannot swim under their own power and are carried towards the coast by wind and surface currents, meaning large numbers can suddenly appear when conditions are right.
Researchers at the AZTI marine science institute have suggested that warmer waters may be allowing the creatures to reproduce closer to the Basque coast.
Scientists have found unusually small specimens close to the shoreline, suggesting the Gulf of Biscay may now provide suitable conditions for them to reproduce.
San Sebastian authorities say Portuguese Man O’ Wars have appeared repeatedly during recent bathing seasons, meaning their presence is no longer considered exceptional.
But the scale of this summer’s sightings has caused concern among swimmers, surfers and lifeguards.
The first Basque specimen of the season was spotted at Laga beach in Bizkaia on June 20.
They subsequently appeared at beaches across the Basque provinces of Bizkaia and Gipuzkoa, with health officials recording 19 stings in the week to July 16 and three people requiring transfer to medical centres.
In Cantabria, meanwhile, Portuguese Man O’ Wars began appearing on beaches in early July, with the number of incidents rising throughout the month.
The vast majority of cases have been described as mild so far, with only a small number of victims required hospital treatment – including young children and people with allergies.
The creatures have also been spotted further west, with specimens detected at several beaches in Asturias during July.
Officials there said the animals were being carried towards the coast by warmer waters and winds, prompting warning flags to be raised at some beaches.
Authorities have urged anyone who spots a Portuguese Man O’ War to keep their distance and alert lifeguards rather than attempting to move it.
The warning also applies to specimens washed up on the sand, as their tentacles can remain capable of stinging even after the creature has died.
Anyone who is stung should avoid rubbing or scratching the affected area and seek help from lifeguards or beach first-aiders.
The affected area should be rinsed with seawater rather than fresh water, while any remaining tentacles should be carefully removed with tweezers.
Experts also advise applying a cold pack for around five minutes to help relieve the pain.
Swimmers have been urged to follow beach flags and listen to instructions from lifeguards as Portuguese Man O’ Wars continue to appear along northern Spain’s popular summer coastline.
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