Date Published: 30/04/2024

Thousands of jellyfish wash up on Mazarron beaches

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Official sources have insisted that the animals do not present a danger to people, but are being cleared from the beaches anyway

The strong currents caused by the recent storms in Murcia have washed thousands of “bluish-coloured jellyfish” onto the beaches of Mazarrón, according to the Municipal Emergency Services and Civil Protection forces.

“Sue to yesterday’s swell, our beaches and shores have been occupied by thousands of specimens of a bluish-coloured jellyfish,” they said, adding that there have been similar sightings in Torrevieja and Lorca.

However, the authorities have been quick to dispel any rumours that these jellyfish are harmful in any way.

“We would like to clarify that this is NOT the Portuguese Man o’ War,” they said. “Please do not collaborate in the dissemination of unconfirmed information.”

Rather, these jellyfish belong to the species Velella velella, more commonly known as the ‘sea raft’ or ‘by-the-wind sailor’. These jellyfish are harmless to people and animals and do not have a very powerful sting at all.

The emergency services in Mazarrón even reported having found some “very striking” albino jellyfish.

They concluded by saying that cleaning services have already been notified to clear the animals off the beach.

For more local news, events and other information go to the home page of Mazarrón Today

Images: Servicio de Emergencias Municipal y Protección Civil de Mazarrón

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