Deadly Portuguese man-of-war found on Phuket beaches

PHUKET, Sept 23 (TNA) – Local authorities in the resort island of Phuket warn beachgoers to be vigilant for poisonous jelly fish-like Portuguese man-of-war after they were spotted at several beaches. Somporn Wareekul, life guard head of the Phuket Provincial Administration Organization said a number of Portuguese man-of-war were washed up on Nai Thon beach, so swimming in the area is banned for the safety of tourists. It contacted specialists to inspect the sea creatures. Portuguese man-of-war is often called a jelly fish but it is species of siphonophore. In the monsoon season, they can be also found on Kamala, Surin, Layan, Naiyang and Maikhao beaches. The sting creature is transparent purple and looks like a Cornish pasty while its blue tentacle can be two metres in length. The stings can be fatal in some cases. (TNA)