The beaches of Carcavelos and São Pedro do Estoril, in Cascais, were, this Tuesday, banned from bathing, after the appearance of Medusas Velella.
After receiving the alert for the appearance of these bodies, the Captain of Porto and Commander-in-Chief of the Cascais Maritime Police ordered to raise the red flag, banning bathing on these beaches “for the sake of safeguarding bathers”, informs the National Maritime Authority in its site.
In the same note, the National Maritime Authority states that “the entities involved will maintain the monitoring of the situation”, and that “the ban on going to baths will be lifted as soon as all security conditions are met.”
On Saturday, the red flag was also raised at Praia da Vieira, in Marinha Grande, due to the presence of this species of jellyfish.
According to the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA), ‘Velella’ resembles a candle, “floats on the water’s surface and is influenced by winds and surface currents”.
“These organisms can form dense aggregates, covering the water surface, and vast areas of sand when they reach the coast. Its tentacles are small and slightly stinging, so it is advisable to avoid direct contact. If it is bitten, apply bands of ice and, if possible, sodium bicarbonate ”, can be read on the IPMA page.
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