The announcement, made via their official Facebook page, included photos of the specimens, also known as bluebottles, collected by lifeguards at the northern end of Karon Beach.
Later, Portuguese Man o’ War were discovered at Bang Tao Beach.
The Portuguese Man o’ War (Physalia physalis) is classified as a ‘marine hydrozoan’. Despite their similar appearance, men-of-war are not jellyfish. They are siphonophores, colonial animals made up of individual specialised organisms, known as zooids, that work together as a unit.
That difference, however, does not mean their stings are less dangerous. Contact with their tentacles can result in severe burning pain and potentially affect the skin, nervous system and heart, and in rare cases posing a risk of fatality.
While typically found in other regions, these jellyfish can be blown into Thai waters during certain seasons, and along Phuket’s west coast each year during the southwest monsoon.
Beachgoers are urged to remain vigilant and follow lifeguard instructions to ensure their safety.
For those who may come into contact with bluebottles, the Phuket Lifeguard Service advises:
Do not touch the bluebottle directly with your hands.
- Use a hard object to remove any tentacles from the body.
- Avoid massaging or applying any medication to the affected area.
- Rinse the wound with seawater instead of vinegar, as vinegar can exacerbate the spread of toxins (which cause the burning sensation)
- Apply a light compress with ice to reduce pain and swelling.
- Seek medical attention immediately.