Two Spanish beaches popular among tourists have been forced to close after authorities spotted a dangerous sea beast lurking off the coast.
Sunseekers are now being turned away from Tamarit Beach and Altafulla Beach on the east coast after authorities caught sight of a Portuguese man o’war in the water, according to reports.
Safety measures have been put in effect to protect the public from the sea creatures’ sting, which leads to death in some rare cases.
In recent years, the animals have become a more common sight in the region. Seven people were stung off Benidorm in June 2019, resulting in three beaches closing temporarily.
Though the man o’war is often referred to as a jellyfish, it’s actually a form of siphonophore, a family of marine organisms closely related to jellyfish.
While fatalities are rare, the creature’s tentacles are notorious, releasing venom that can paralyse and kill small fish and crustaceans.
Children, elderly people and those with asthma and allergies are also at risk as stings can cause fever, shock and respiratory distress.
It comes after a Portuguese man o’war was seen off the coast of San Antonio, a popular holiday resort in Ibiza.
Josep Maria Gili, a marine biologist from Barcelona, said: “There are no recorded deaths from their stings in Spain but there have been fatal cases in Sicily and Sardinia where people have died.
“Beaches have to be closed if a single Portuguese man o’war is spotted,” he added.
The pain inflicted by a sting from the creatures, which are often found in groups of a thousand or more, typically lasts around 15 to 20 minutes and recommended treatment differs from an attack by a jellyfish.
The NHS advice to Britons who believe they have been stung by a jellyfish is to, “Get help if possible. Ask a lifeguard or someone with first aid training for help.
“Rinse the affected area with seawater (not freshwater) and remove any spines from the skin using tweezers or the edge of a bank card.
“Soak the area in very warm water (as hot as can be tolerated) for at least 30 minutes – use hot flannels or towels if you cannot soak it.
“Take painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen.”
Meanwhile, contrary to popular belief, it insists sufferers should not urinate on the sting, with anaesthetic gels or pain relief creams recommended instead.