‘Huge’ jellyfish washes up on a Barry beach
A super-sized jellyfish washed up on a South Wales beach – to the amazement of the former police officer who found it.
Peter Fletcher, 62, was on a morning bike ride on Friday when he made the discovery at Jackson’s Bay.
Peter, from Barry, said: “It’s just one of my regular cycle routes. I take a cycle ride most mornings if the weather’s decent.
“You’re used to seeing jellyfish about the size of the palm of your hand.
“Never in my life have I seen any that big – it’s huge!”
Retired police officer Peter admitted it was saddening to see the creature washed up on the beach.
He said: “I thought it was a little bit sad it was there. “It was amazing to see it.” Jackson’s Bay is the next beach over from Barry Island’s Whitmore Bay.
“Jackson’s Bay is a very small little beach, just around the corner from the main attraction of Barry Island,” Mr Fletcher said.
“A lot of families go there with children.
“I have never seen anything this size or like this on a Vale of Glamorgan shoreline.”
Capturing an image of the jellyfish, Mr Fletcher said he placed his 8in water bottle next to it for comparison.
A spokesman for Vale of Glamorgan council said: “The Vale of Glamorgan is home to a rich and diverse wildlife and our coastline is no exception.
“The waters around Barry Island are home to dozens of species of marine life and from time to time these wash up on the beach.
“While most jellyfish stings are mild and don’t require treatment, people should avoid touching them.
“We have a resort management team all year round at the adjacent Whitmore Bay where there are also RNLI lifeguards on duty throughout the summer who can, if necessary, administer first aid.”