Phuket's Mai Khao Beach Alerted to Dangerous Bluebottle Arrival

[snoop1130]

 

Beachgoers in Phuket are on alert as the notorious Portuguese man o’ war, commonly known as the bluebottle, has been sighted at Mai Khao Beach. This news, confirmed by the Phuket Lifeguard Service on October 27, prompts immediate caution for tourists and locals enjoying the beach.

 

The bluebottle is a recurrent visitor during the southwest monsoon season, spanning from May to October. Just last month, 40 of these stinging creatures washed ashore at nearby Patong Beach, alerting marine biologists to the potential risks.

 

Tourists are advised that a bluebottle sting can result in severe pain and welts akin to lash marks. The recommended first aid includes rinsing the area with seawater and treating it with hot water or a cold pack for 20 minutes. Notably, vinegar should be avoided as it can exacerbate the sting.

 

In response, the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources has distributed warning leaflets, while lifeguards remain vigilant, ready to administer first aid for jellyfish stings and monitor the tides closely.

 

Previously, the lifeguards had their hands full, rescuing swimmers from dangerous rip currents and addressing various medical situations such as cuts from shells and other injuries.

 

Beachgoers are encouraged to heed warnings and stay informed about beach conditions to safely enjoy Phuket’s sandy shores. The Phuket Lifeguard Service continues to patrol the beaches, committed to the safety of all visitors while keeping a watchful eye on potential marine threats.

 

 

File photo for reference only

 

-- 2024-10-28

 

 

[Woke to Sounds]

"Martin, it's all psychological. You yell bluebottle, everybody says, 'Huh? What?'  You yell shark, we've got a panic on our hands on the 28th of October."

[Tarteso]

Nice jellyfish, They look like aliens

 

[simon43]

  On 10/28/2024 at 11:57 PM, Woke to Sounds of Horking said:

"Martin, it's all psychological. You yell bluebottle, everybody says, 'Huh? What?'  You yell shark, we've got a panic on our hands on the 28th of October."

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Just after the 2004 tsunami, a young girl whose mother I knew at Nai Yang beach adopted a little puppy and called it 'tsunami'.  Every afternoon, this girl would walk out onto the beach and scream 'TSUNAMI' as she looked for her dog!!

[PETERTHEEATER]

  On 10/28/2024 at 10:01 AM, snoop1130 said:

........and treating it with hot water or a cold pack.....

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So, which is it? Among the recommended treatment for jellyfish stings is water as hot as the patient can stand maintained for at least 30 minutes.

[Maybole]

I am confused, to me a bluebottle is a big fly.

[richard_smith237]

  On 10/29/2024 at 3:13 PM, Maybole said:

I am confused, to me a bluebottle is a big fly.

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Was it the photo of a Jelly-fish and absense of a photo of a fly in the opening article that confused you ?

[Maybole]

  On 10/29/2024 at 4:42 PM, richard_smith237 said:

 

Was it the photo of a Jelly-fish and absense of a photo of a fly in the opening article that confused you ?

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It was. I had never heard of any jellyfish so named.