Deadly creatures wash up on Finistère shores

Unexpected and potentially dangerous marine visitors have been washing up on the beaches of northern Finistère for the past 10 days.

What look like jellyfish have been found stranded on the beaches of Saint-Laurent, Saint-Pabu and Porsmeur, Plouescat, the port of Mazou, Porspoder, and most recently at baie des Trépassés. But they are in fact potentially fatal Portuguese Man o' War.

The creatures - members of the siphonophores family rather than jellyfish - are more usually found in warmer waters further south, but can be carried north by ocean currents.

Even dead animals washed up on the beach can be dangerous. The tentacles can deliver a intensely painful sting for hours or days after they wash up on shore. The stings cause red welts that look like burns on the skin, and can cause fever, cramps, vomiting, loss of consciousness, even death.

Anyone who does touch a tentacle is advised to seek urgent medical assistance.