Portuguese man o’ war invasion

Winds buffeting our south-western coastlines have caused an influx of Portuguese man o’ war on Cornish beaches.

The number of reported sightings of the creatures, often mistaken for jellyfish, is unprecedented. According to Cornwall Wildlife Trust, 144 have been counted in the last three days alone. Previously, the most seen in a year was 40. Unusually strong winds this year have been blamed for the much larger numbers.

With their long tentacles and bubble top, the marine creatures are floating colonies created by hydroids living together, hanging from a polyp which acts as a float. While the tentacles can cause a painful sting, they are rarely serious and virtually never fatal.

Matt Slater, of Cornwall Wildlife Trust, said: “We urge the public to be cautious.” Sightings of such creatures should be reported on 0345 2012626. Samantha Herbert