Venomous Portuguese Man-of-War wash up on Cornish beaches

Several venomous Portuguese Man-of-War have been washed up by on-shore winds on beaches across the Cornish coast.

The animal, which is often mistaken for a jellyfish, can inflict an excruciating sting, even once dead and on shore.

Friends of Portheras tweeted the pictures, along with the advice to beach-goers to stay away and only spectate from a distance.

They were spotted at Portheras and Sennen.

Further potential sightings have been made at Long Rock and Marazion Beach. A series of images show potential Man-of-War washed up on the sand.

The jellyfish-like creatures have been compared to pink Cornish pasties. Credit: Gigi

The siphonophore, an animal made up of a colony of organisms working together, is not alien to our region's beaches.

They are often washed up during stormy weather and when there are high winds.

Credit: Gigi

In 2017, there were more than 100 reported sightings of the Man-of-War in Cornwall.

Several were also washed up on Downderry beach on the south coast of the county, where Rachael Jackson took the below pictures two years ago.

They are often washed up during stormy weather. Credit: Rachael Jackson
In 2017 Man-of-War were washed up on Downderry beach in Cornwall. Credit: Rachael Jackson

Read more: Rare sunfish spotted off the coast of Cornwall