Attention holidaymakers! Toxic Portuguese galleries blocks beach on Menorca

Attention holidaymakers! Toxic Portuguese galleries blocks beach on Menorca

Cala en Porter, Spanien - On June 6, 2025, a Portuguese galleous (Physalia Physalis) was spotted on the beach of Cala en Porter on Menorca, which put the vacationers on site on site. This jellyfish is one of the most poisonous species worldwide and has tentacles that can be up to 50 meters long, i.e. a serious risk of swimmers. Fortunately, no injuries were reported because the authorities reacted immediately and blocked the beach when a vacationer discovered the jellyfish and alerted the lifeguards. These ensured that the animal was secured safely out of the water and secured with water in a bucket. The copy measure about 15 centimeters.

The Portuguese galley belongs to the genus of the state jellyfish and, despite its danger, has recently been spotted in the Mediterranean lately. In recent years there have been temporary bathing rabbits on the Balearic Islands due to such sightings. This species of jellyfish is more common, especially in the warmer months, from May to October, which makes it a constant threat to summer vacationers who want to relax on the Mediterranean. Their presence can fluctuate heavily and depends on various factors, including the water temperature and the sea conditions.

Health risks of the Portuguese gallery

The tentacles of these dangerous jellyfish can not only cause severe pain and skin irritation, but also lead to more serious health problems. Allergy sufferers or sensitive people can also experience muscle cramps, breathing problems and heart problems, and in rare cases, contact with the toxic nettle cells can even be fatal. It is all the more important to provide first aid when there is a stab. The recommendations include:

Carefully remove
• tentacle remains with tweezers or a hard object.
• Do not rub the affected skin area with a towel.
• Check bathing clothing for tentacle residues.
• rinse the affected skin area with salt water (do not use fresh water).
• The area with ice cubes that are wrapped in a cloth.
• use medical help in the event of severe reactions.

These precautions are particularly important because jellyfish can not only be dangerous, but can also often be found in the warmer waters of the Mediterranean. In addition to the Portuguese gallery, there are a variety of other types of jellyfish in the region, including the luminaire (Pelagia Noctiluca), which is also known as a very painful swimmer. The occurrence of jellyfish can be subject to strong fluctuations, which makes timely information and attention by the authorities essential.