Beachgoers warning public after series of Portuguese Man O’ War found at Westport Beach

Beachgoers in Westport want to warn the public after a series of Portuguese man o’ war were found at a local beach.

Austin Estrella notified Fall River Reporter of the find and sent us several pictures.

“A series of Portuguese Man O’ War washed up on Knubble Beach, Westport, MA on Friday (07/7/2023). Others were also visible at the shoreline continuing to drift on or wash ashore.”

The NOAA offers the following description of Portuguese man o’ war.

“The Portuguese man o’ war is recognized by its balloon-like float, which may be blue, violet, or pink and rises up to six inches above the waterline. Lurking below the float are long strands of tentacles and polyps that grow to an average of 30 feet and may extend by as much as 100 feet. The tentacles contain stinging nematocysts, microscopic capsules loaded with coiled, barbed tubes that deliver venom capable of paralyzing and killing small fish and crustaceans. While the man o’ war’s sting is rarely deadly to people, it packs a painful punch and causes welts on exposed skin.”