The St. Croix East End Marine Park (STXEEMP), which is part of the Division of Coastal Zone Management, advises the public about a recent sighting of Portuguese man-of-war (Physalia physalis) at Robin Bay. One single Portuguese man-of-war was seen on the shore on Tuesday, May 24, according to a press release issued Tuesday by the V.I. Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR).
Resembling jellyfish, the organisms are pink or purple with a large translucent float bubble and with numerous long, stinging tentacles. The tentacles remain potent and can produce a sting even after washed ashore. Swimmers and beachgoers on the South Shore of St. Croix should remain vigilant; the tentacles should be avoided if a Portuguese man-of-war is encountered in the water or along the shoreline.
If stung, affected skin areas can be rinsed with seawater (fresh water will set off more stinging cells) and followed by household vinegar. If a serious reaction results from the sting, medical attention should be sought.
For more information, call STXEEMP at 718-3367 or DPNR-DFW at 773-1082.
