The Portuguese Man Of War occasionally appears on Hilton Head Island during strong winds and currents. Report a sighting to Beach Services and avoid swimming.
The Portuguese man o’ war (Physalia physalis) is a highly venomous marine creature found in the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean, and its sting is excruciatingly painful, though rarely fatal, causing welts and blisters on exposed skin. The tentacles of dead Portuguese man o’ wars can still sting, making even stranded animals dangerous to touch.
Hilton Head Beach Shore staff have a spray they apply to the skin to reduce the pain and swelling.
