Portuguese man-o-war prompts swim warning in Songkhla
Dangerous Portuguese man-of-war sightings have led the authorities to caution tourists against swimming at Songkhla’s Chala That Beach. These jellyfish-like creatures, known as one of the world’s deadliest marine species, have been spotted along the shoreline stretching from Singha Nakhon district to Mueang district.
The ocean-dwelling creature is known to have caused harm to several tourists who encountered them. Songkhla City Mayor Wanchai Parinyasiri directed lifeguards to keep tourists informed about the potential danger and ensure a first aid kit is always ready. He further emphasised the need for immediate hospital admission for those affected.
Parinyasiri also recommended that the public stay away from the beach temporarily as the lethal jellyfish are expected to linger until early April, reported Bangkok Post.
The Portuguese man-of-war, a siphonophore, carries numerous minute venomous tentacles. Identified by its distinctive balloon-like float that may exhibit varying shades of blue, violet or pink, it can rise to 15 centimetres above the water’s surface.
These creatures are commonly found in the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific oceans. They occasionally wash ashore in Thailand’s southern provinces, such as Narathiwat, Pattani, Songkhla, Krabi, and Phuket, during the monsoon season. The sting of this specific siphonophore can critically affect the nervous system and heart, leading to extreme pain and potentially death. Therefore, people are strongly encouraged to avoid any contact with them.
In related news, the sandy stretches of Patong Beach in Phuket recently became the unlikely landing spot for a multitude of jellyfish. Since February 21, these jellyfish have been making waves amongst beachgoers, washing up on the shore in an unexpected turn of events.
The lifeguards stationed at Patong Beach quickly took note of this unusual occurrence. They promptly issued a warning to all beach visitors, urging them to steer clear of these marine wanderers. The lifeguards, who are part of the Patong Surf Life Saving team, shared their observations with The Phuket News on February 22.
