It was this Tuesday that the red flag was raised on the beaches of Carcavelos and São Pedro do Estoril, in Cascais, after the presence of Medusa Velella was detected on these beaches.
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 on these beaches, which are banned from bathing.
In note published on the website, the National Maritime Authority says 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 flown at the Vieira Beach, in Marinha Grande, due to the presence of this species of jellyfish.
DIRECT CONTACT WITH THESE ORGANISMS MUST BE AVOIDED
According to the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA), ‘Velella’ resembles a candle, “floats on the surface of the water 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 hit the coast. Their tentacles are small and slightly urticating, it is advisable to avoid direct contact. If it is crushed, apply bands of ice and, if possible, sodium bicarbonate “, can be read on the IPMA page.
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