Man o’ War Sightings Spike Along Myrtle Beach Shore; Professor Talks Sting Remedies

Increased Man o’ War Presence Alerts Myrtle Beach Visitors

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — Beach-goers in the Myrtle Beach area are being advised to watch their steps along the shore as there has been a notable increase in Portuguese Man o’ War sightings. This surge has been particularly noticeable at popular spots such as Cherry Grove, Myrtle Beach, and Pawleys Island.

Why the Sudden Increase?

A marine biology professor at Coastal Carolina University attributes this phenomenon primarily to the recent easterly winds that have pushed these dangerous creatures closer to the shoreline. “They can still sting even if they’re washed up and quite dead, the nematocysts, the cells that actually sting, they’re basically spring-loaded, if you want to think of it that way. If anything touches them, they just fire,” explained Eric Rosch, a senior lecturer of marine biology.

Handling and Treatment Advice

Despite not being typically deadly, the stings from these jellyfish-like creatures can be extremely painful and potentially hazardous, especially to those with allergies. Rosch advised: “If someone has to move the marine animal because it poses a risk to children or dogs, you can attempt to pick it up by the ‘bell’ or balloon, but be very careful and use a towel or gloves.”

If stung, Rosch recommends using vinegar or meat tenderizer to alleviate the pain. It is crucial to remove the tentacles carefully to avoid worsening the sting. “If you have a credit card on you, you can kind of scrape the tentacles off without making it worse. In a pinch, you could use a flat-edge seashell,” he added.

Stay Safe and Informed

With the holiday season approaching and beaches expected to see higher traffic, awareness and preparedness are key. Beach-goers should keep an eye out for these marine hazards and know how to react if they encounter a Man o’ War. Keeping tools like vinegar, gloves, and towels handy can help mitigate the effects of any potential stings.