Recommendations against the Portuguese Caravel or Frigate and the Jellyfish
The Portuguese frigate, Physalia physalis, is a very dangerous species of jellyfish and contact with its tentacles can have very serious consequences due to the appearance of symptoms such as: gastrointestinal, neurological, muscular and cardiorespiratory alterations, with the consequent danger of drowning.
They can cause burning, intense pain and skin lacerations, with tentacles often remaining attached to the skin.
This species moves at the mercy of surface currents and the wind, and its body where the tentacles are located floats and is shaped like a sail (floater). It is typical of the temperate waters of the Atlantic, but is also occasionally observed in Mediterranean waters.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PORTUGUESE CARAVEL SIGHTINGS:
- If there are jellyfish or Portuguese Caravels on the beach, do not swim and stay away from the shore where there may be fragments of the animal.
- If you are in the water and see jellyfish or the float of the caravel, move away and head for the shore. In the case of the caravel, even if you can see the float far away, the extended tentacles are very long (there are cases of up to 30 metres) and can touch you.
- If the jellyfish or caravel is out of the water (in the sand, on the rocks, etc.) do not touch it, even if it is dead, it can release poison.
- Always follow the instructions of the lifeguards.
PROTOCOL FOR ACTION IN THE EVENT OF CONTACT WITH THE PORTUGUESE CARAVEL
- Get out of the water and go to the rescue service. In the case of a caravel sting, the following symptoms may occur: nausea, vomiting, dizziness, muscle ramps, headache, difficulty breathing or general malaise. In this case it is necessary to go to the nearest health centre or call 112.
- Remove any tentacle remains that may have come into contact with the skin, avoiding in any case scratching the area and without touching the tentacle remains directly with your hands. Remove the tentacles with tweezers and gloves; if you do not have them, do so with the edge of a rigid object such as a credit card or driving licence to avoid contact with your hands.
- How to neutralise the poison:
- Never rub the affected area, or use towels or sand to clean the wound, as the pressure may increase the release of poison.
- Wash the affected area with seawater and check the water for tentacle fragments. Never wash it with fresh water (the change in salinity causes more venom to be released).
- To ease the pain, apply cold to the area using a plastic bag with ice (to avoid direct contact with the skin). Put it on for 10-15 minutes, rest for 5 minutes and then put it on again.
- Do not use ammonia, vinegar or urine.
- Although the pain will go away in about two hours, seek medical attention, especially if the pain is severe or associated with other discomfort.
- A Portuguese man-of-war sting can be serious, although it rarely is, especially in children or if there are previous allergies.
- Never touch a caravel, even if it is lying apparently dead on the shore. The poison may be active for up to 48 hours after death.
- Notify the authorities or lifeguards and warn other users of the area if you see any specimens in the water or on the shore.
