A British expat has issued a tourism warning to those holidaying in a popular Malaga coastal resort after a deadly Man o’ War jellyfish was spotted. Just yesterday an eager eyed tourist spotted the deadly jellyfish washed up on a beach in Estepona.
The sea creature was found on the shore of Costalita beach, situated on the prestigious New Golden Mile in Estepona. Taking to the Facebook group Estepona Info and Chat, the Brit warned fellow tourists of her finding. The post read: “Found this Portuguese man of war on the beach in front of Costalita this morning, didn’t know they were in the Med.”
In response shocked commenters warned of the “mean sting” they can inflict.
One user said: “My son got a hell of a sting from one of those beauties from the Med in Israel in the late 90s. They’re a menace!”.
“They give a mean sting, stay away from the tentacles”, warned another.
This species is often found on Spanish coasts, particularly along the Canatabrian and Galician coasts, and sightings are becoming increasingly common in the Mediterranean as well.
And it seems this type of jellyfish is often found in Estepona around this time of year. With one commenter saying: “Pretty much every year these are on our beaches are on the local news”.
“Every year is the same”, said another.
A Man o’ War jellyfish’s tentacles contain stinging nematocysts and microscopic capsule,s which are loaded with coiled, barbed tubes that deliver venom capable of paralysing and killing small fish.
They can be identified by their balloon-like float, which may be blue, violet, or pink and can rise up to six inches above the waterline.
After a sting, the tentacles leave long, stringy red welts on humans skin which can be very painful and sometimes leading to death.
What to do if you have been stung by a Man o’ War jellyfish
Those who have been stung should rinse the sting with seawater to remove venom and tentacles. Then, use tweezers or a gloved hand to remove any tentacles still in your skin.
You should then soak the area in hot water for around 20–45 minutes and take painkillers.
Those who have been stung should also apply 0.5–1% hydrocortisone cream or ointment to the affected area.
