UK beaches see surge of electric blue Velella Velella, experts warn not to touch

Hundreds of electric‑blue Velella Velella, also called “by‑the‑wind sailors”, have washed up on beaches in Cumbria and on the Welsh coast as summer temperatures approach 40 °C. The gelatinous colonies, related to the Portuguese man‑o‑war, can deliver a mild sting, prompting marine specialists to advise the public not to handle them.

Visitors such as Louise Nicholson, who mistook the creatures for seaweed at St Bees beach, described the sight as “absolutely beautiful”. Georgia de Jong Cleyndert, head of marine at the Cumbria Wildlife Trust, warned that even after washing ashore the organisms retain a mild sting, especially to sensitive skin. Frankie Hobro of Anglesey Sea Zoo added that contact with lips or face could cause a painful tingling sensation. Authorities expect more sightings this summer and urge beachgoers to observe the animals without touching them.