The Portuguese man o’ war, a marine creature that resembles a jellyfish but is not one, has been sighted on the beaches of the French Basque Country and Landes. These pink, floating organisms are colonies of specialized individuals and possess formidable tentacles that can extend up to 20 meters.
The Portuguese man o’ war, also known as the sea bladder (Physalia physalis), has recently been reported on the beaches of the French Basque Country and Landes. This striking pink creature floats on the surface and is actually a collection of specialized organisms. Its formidable tentacles can reach an astonishing 20 meters in length. While typically found in tropical waters, it was previously spotted in Catalonia, Spain, last summer.
The specimens found on the Neo-Aquitaine coast recently are small, making them less aggressive. However, their presence led authorities to close numerous beaches on Friday, July 25, right in the middle of the busy tourist season.
Beaches Closed Along the Basque and Landes Coast
Bidart has been particularly impacted, with five of its main beaches now closed. Royal Pavilion, Uhabia, Center beach, Erretegia, and IIBARRITZ are inaccessible to the public, marked by red flags indicating a swimming ban.
Neighboring areas are also affected. In Biarritz, Marbella and Milady beaches are closed. Anglet has also closed its Little Love Room, Sands of Gold, Marinella, Corsair, and Madrague beaches to bathers until further notice.
The issue extends further north. Three Landes beaches have been closed since Friday, July 25: Penon and Approval in Seignosse, and Cap de l’Homily in Seignosse.
A Dangerous “Fake Jellyfish” with Potent Venom
This “false jellyfish” is known to be particularly dangerous. Its sting can kill fish and, in humans, can cause cardiac arrest. The creature’s tentacles release a powerful venom that leads to inflammation, redness, blisters, and skin reactions that can spread beyond the direct contact area.
Complications can include respiratory, heart, neurological, or gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting, fever, nausea, and anxiety. While symptoms usually subside in a few days, medical consultation is recommended as reactions vary significantly. It’s also important to note that stings can impair swimming ability due to pain, increasing the risk of drowning.
