A scaffolder working on Mingarry Castle, near Kilchoan, on the Ardnamurchan peninsula, reported seeing massive lion’s mane jellyfish.
The species is one of the most dangerous, and the largest, in the world. The tentacles can cause a painful red sting and become stuck to swimmers’ skin, requiring painstaking removal.
The sting has also been known to be deadly to those with underlying health problems and the elderly. Several lion’s mane jellyfish have been seen around Ardnamurchan by kayakers in recent weeks, and a sighting was also made near Arisaig, both in west Lochaber.
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The lion’s mane also preys on the harmless blue moon jellyfish, which are normally common in west coast waters, but which have been notably absent off Ardnamurchan this year.
A warning has been issued by the NHS over the dangers of jellyfish after experts predicted an “invasion” this summer due to climate change and pollution. The number of jellyfish seen in UK waters spiked in July because of the late summer.
Jellyfish tentacles are covered with small poisonous sacs called nematocysts, which, if touched, produce a nasty sting
NHS 24 medical director Professor George Crooks is urging anyone brave enough to venture into the sea to be prepared and seek advice on dealing with marine life stings beforehand.
He said: “Jellyfish tentacles are covered with small poisonous sacs called nematocysts, which, if touched, produce a nasty sting.
“If you are unfortunate enough to be stung, the most important thing to remember is not to rinse the wound in fresh water and not to rub it or apply ice, even if the area feels hot. You should try to soak the affected area in vinegar for 15 to 30 minutes and, if vinegar is not available, use alcohol or sea water.”
In 2010, around 150 people are thought to have been stung by the remains of a huge lion’s mane jellyfish that had broken up into countless pieces off Rye, New Hampshire, in the United States.