Why have Deadly Portuguese man-of-war jellyfish invaded British beaches?
Deadly Portuguese man-of-war jellyfish have invaded British beaches – and more are expected to arrive, it emerged today. At least eight of the creatures, which can deliver a potentially lethal sting, were found on Tregantle beach in Cornwall. Another two were spotted in estuary sands between Bantham and Bigbury in Devon, prompting authorities to warn bathers to be vigilant. It is thought the deadly animals, which have a distinctive body that is said to resemble a 16th Century Portuguese warship, could have come all the way from Australia. A spokesman for the National Marine Aquarium said the sail-like creatures, which have sting-carrying tentacles that are up to 15ft long, were blown here by strong South Westerly winds. And Tom Hardy, a marine conservation officer at the Cornwall Wildlife Trust, said he expects more man-of-wars to arrive during the summer. ‘They have been blown across by the prevailing winds. I would expect many more to follow.’ Mr Hardy said bathers and beach-goers sh
