Police warn Portuguese man o’ war washed up on Sullivan’s Island

SULLIVANS ISLAND, S.C. (WCBD) – Sullivan’s Island authorities have warned residents of numerous Portuguese Man O’ War sightings in the past few days.

Police chief Glenn Meadows said a beach officer reported a sighting Tuesday, and citizens called in reported sightings on Wednesday.

Meadows explained that several other Lowcountry beaches have also reported sightings.

The species appears in bright blue, pink, or purple and has long tentacles that can reach up to about 100 feet long. If stung, the injured can expect to feel shooting pain like a shock sensation. Other symptoms include headaches, shock, collapse, faintness, hysteria, chills, fever, nausea, and vomiting, the SC Department of Natural Resources said.

Man o’ War can still sting someone when they are beached or dead.

Town officials are warning locals and visitors to stay away from the colorful creatures. Wind and ocean currents occasionally drive the jelly-like animal to South Carolina shores.

If you do get stung, meat tenderizer, sugar, vinegar, plant juices, and sodium bicarbonate can help the injured area. According to SCDNR, ice can also help numb the pain.