British tourists in northern Spain have been urged to exercise extreme caution after a wave of Portuguese Man O'War sightings led to more than 800 people being treated for stings in July alone.
Yellow flag warnings raised
Red Cross officials in Cantabria raised "yellow flag" warnings across multiple beaches after treating over 800 victims for painful stings throughout the month. The surge has caused concern among beachgoers, surfers, and families, with disruptions also reported in the neighbouring Basque Country, where similar warnings have been issued.
The Portuguese Man O'War, often mistaken for a jellyfish, is a colonial marine organism with long, venomous tentacles capable of delivering agonising stings.
Recent incidents and impact
The situation worsened on Monday, August 3, when seven more people required medical attention after encounters with the creatures, including a nine-year-old boy and several adults who were taken to local health centres and hospitals, according to The Olive Press.
At the resort of San Sebastian, lifeguards reported a dramatic drop in the number of people entering the sea, despite it being peak summer. Local surf instructors have also been forced to cancel lessons due to the high risk of stings.
Cause and spread
Experts at the AZTI marine science institute believe unusually warm sea temperatures in the Bay of Biscay are allowing the creatures to breed closer to shore than ever before. While San Sebastian authorities admitted the Man O'War is no longer an "exceptional" sight in summer, the scale of this year's surge has shocked officials.
The creatures first appeared on Bizkaia's Laga beach in late June and have since spread westward across Gipuzkoa, Cantabria, and Asturias.
Safety advice
Beachgoers are warned that even dead, washed-up specimens can deliver a severe sting. If spotted, they should not be touched, and lifeguards should be notified immediately.
For those stung, health experts advise against rubbing the area or using fresh water or vinegar. Instead, rinse thoroughly with seawater, carefully remove any remaining tentacles with tweezers, and apply a cold pack for at least five minutes. Victims should seek immediate medical attention from lifeguards or first-aiders.
Swimmers are strictly advised to obey all beach flag warnings and lifeguard instructions while the influx continues.
