Tybee Island residents and beach visitors are urged to exercise caution after several Portuguese Man o’ War sightings along the beach on Friday morning.
These striking, jellyfish-like creatures, known for their vibrant colors and painful stings, have recently washed ashore, posing a risk to anyone who might accidentally come into contact with them.
Just The Facts:
• What: Portuguese Man o’ War sightings along Tybee Island’s shores.
• When: Sightings confirmed early Friday morning.
• Risk: The tentacles can deliver a powerful sting that may still be active even if the creatures are washed up and appear dead.
• Safety Measures: Residents and visitors are advised not to touch the creatures and to keep a safe distance.
About the Portuguese Man o’ War: The Portuguese Man o’ War is not a jellyfish, despite its similar appearance. It’s a siphonophore — a colony of tiny, specialized organisms that work together as one unit. Known for their distinctive purple-blue coloring and transparent “float” that can extend up to six inches above water, these creatures can be challenging to spot but pack a serious sting.
The Man o’ War’s tentacles can stretch up to 30 feet and are armed with venom-filled nematocysts. Even if washed ashore and seemingly lifeless, their tentacles can still deliver a painful sting, potentially causing nausea, fever, and respiratory issues in severe cases.
Why It Matters: With Tybee Island being a popular destination, especially as temperatures remain mild, these sightings are a reminder of the need for safety on the beach. Encounters with a Portuguese Man o’ War can lead to painful stings, particularly dangerous for children or anyone with allergies.
What To Do If Stung: If someone is stung by a Portuguese Man o’ War, follow these steps:
1. Rinse the affected area with salt water, not fresh water, which can trigger more stinging cells.
2. Avoid touching the sting site or rubbing the area, as this may worsen the injury.
3. Seek medical attention if the pain is severe or if there are any signs of an allergic reaction.
B.T. Clark
B.T. Clark is an award-winning journalist and the Publisher of The Georgia Sun. He has 25 years of experience in journalism and served as Managing Editor of Neighbor Newspapers in metro Atlanta for 15 years and Digital Director at Times-Journal Inc. for 8 years. His work has appeared in several newspapers throughout the state including Neighbor Newspapers, The Cherokee Tribune and The Marietta Daily Journal. He is a Georgia native and a fifth-generation Georgian.
