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Beachgoers have been urged not to touch the electric blue creatures by marine experts after hundred of the 'alien jellyfish' were spotted along the Welsh coastline
19:17, 18 Jun 2026
Brits have been left stumped as hundreds of incredible otherworldly creatures washed up on beaches across Wales.
The "stunningly beautiful" blue sea creatures have been spotted across the coastline with experts suggesting they are Velella Velella, also known as by-the-wind sailors. Closely related to the Portuguese Man o’ War , the animals are usually found in the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific oceans.
They are described as "crystal-like" by locals, who say they saw dozens and dozens of them on beaches right across Anglesey and down the west Gwynedd coast. In Barmouth, a woman said hundreds were littering the town’s beach alone.
The arrival of this “blue tide” caught many beachgoers by surprise with some walkers likened them to “alien jellyfish”. Another said they were “among the most bizarre things” he’d ever seen washed up on a beach.
Despite the surprise, the creatures are said to be relatively common, but are usually seen in autumn and winter. Marine specialist Frankie Hobro, owner of Anglesey Sea Zoo in Bynsiencyn, said their sting is generally "very mild" in comparison to Portuguese man o' war but said it was unwise to touch them.
"You probably wouldn't feel it through normal fingers because human skin is fairly thick," she told the BBC.
"But if you touched your lips, face or another sensitive area, it could be quite painful and cause a tingling sensation. I would always recommend covering up when in the sea.
“By-the-wind-sailors are not dangerous but their stings can irritate and you wouldn’t want to touch your face or eyes if you’ve been in contact with one.
“We’ll soon be seeing reports of more dangerous creatures like Weever fish and Portuguese Man o’War. It can be difficult to avoid contacts but a rash vest will help and swim socks or booties are good idea."
Electric blue by-the-wind-sailors are “colonial hydroids” – meaning they’re not a single creature but are made up of a colony of tiny individual animals, and re not true jellyfish.
Typically around 7cm long, they have a small, stiff sail that catches the wind. The tiny colonies go wherever the wind takes them – it’s pure chance where they end up.
Expert Frankie added: “They blow in on winter storms and are therefore noticed less often.
“June is late in the season to see them. We had a warm spell in late May followed by an unsettled start to June, which may be why they’re appearing now.
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“What is slightly worrying is that Portuguese Man o’ War are arriving earlier in the year and more frequently, overlapping with marine creatures like By-the-wind-sailors. It shows how climate change is affecting ocean currents.”
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Animals
Read the full article at Daily Mirror →📄Source document: Marine specialist Frankie Hobro
2 reports
Daily MirrorParty-alignedCenter3 days agoHundreds of 'stunningly beautiful' blue sea creatures, identified as Velella Velella, washed up on beaches in Wales. Locals described them as 'alien jellyfish,' with some comparing them to the Portuguese Man o' War. Experts warned against touching them despite their mild sting.
Bias read (Center): The article provides factual information about the appearance, behavior, and safety concerns of the sea creatures without taking a stance or using biased language. It quotes experts and includes direct descriptions from witnesses without apparent ideological framing.
Official sources cited
- study Marine specialist Frankie Hobro
BBC News (UK)State / PublicCenter3 days agoHundreds of blue sea creatures known as velella velella, also called by-the-wind sailors, have appeared on Welsh beaches. These creatures, which are related to the Portuguese man o' war, were spotted in areas including Anglesey, Gwynedd, and Tenby. Marine specialists warn against touching them due to their stinging ability, though they are generally considered less dangerous than their relatives. The creatures are named for their sail-like structures that allow them to move with the wind.
Bias read (Center): The article provides factual information about the appearance of velella velella on Welsh beaches without taking a stance or using biased language. It includes quotes from individuals who observed the creatures and a marine specialist offering cautionary advice. There is no indication of ideological
Official sources cited
- organisation Marine specialist Frankie Hobro
United Kingdom