Riviera Maya, Q.R. — Municipal authorities have issued a swimmer alert about the arrival of the Portuguese man-o-war to the coast of Quintana Roo. The species, which resembles a jellyfish, has been spotted intermittently along the coast for several weeks.
However, on Wednesday, lifeguards spotted specimens off a central Playa del Carmen beach. Beachgoers are being warned about the presence of the the Portuguese man-o-war that has been seen in both the water and washed up on the sand.
It’s sting from dangling tentacles is very painful to humans since its able to deliver a painful sting powerful enough to kill fish. Civil Protection of Solidaridad are warning people about its temporary presence along the coast.
“The Civil Protection, Risk Prevention and Fire Department informs the public about the presence of the Portuguese Frigate or Carabela, detected by lifeguards during a surveillance tour in the beach area between CTM Avenue and 88th Street.
“The population is urged to avoid contact with this marine fauna as it causes skin lesions. This species is usually in the sea and on the sand as it reaches the coast due to weather conditions.
“Contact with it can cause serious skin lesions and health problems, therefore the public is asked to inform the lifeguard staff or call 9-1-1 if they encounter this fauna.”
Recent sightings of the Portuguese man-o-war have also been reported in Mahahual and Tulum.
