Portuguese man o'war cluster spotted on Goa beach; advisory issued

Panaji : Beachgoers in Goa have been warned to keep off the waters at the popular Baga beach, due to a sudden emergence of the toxic Portuguese man o' war or blue bottle -- a jelly-like marine organism.

The blue bottles were spotted along the beach stretch frequented by thousands of tourists every day.

"Drishti Marine advises locals as well as tourists not to venture into the sea on Baga beach as blue bottles could possibly be present in the waters or along the shoreline," an advisory issued by the a private beach management agency, which mans lifeguard on the coastline, said on Friday.

"Even wading into the waters is not advisable during the monsoon months as the sea and weather conditions are not favourable for swimming," the advisory noted.

Marine animals, jellyfish are of two kinds -- toxic and non-toxic. While most jellyfish stings are harmless to humans and cause only a mild irritation; species like bluebottle are venomous and can cause harm on contact.

Even a dead bluebottle washed up on shore can deliver a sting, the advisory said.

It also gave precautions which include use of hot water to break down the toxins, spraying the bite area with vinegar and use of ice packs.

Goa is one of the top beach tourism destinations and attracts nearly seven million tourists every year.