Jellyfish Alert at Flic-en-Flac, la Cambuse

The members of the National Coast Guard (NCG) are on the alert after a jellyfish warning was given during the beginning of this year. “We want to reassure the Mauritian public and tourists that there is no need for panic, but vigilance is required,” said the minister of Fisheries Nicolas Von Mally.

The colony floats from the bottom of an air-filled, pink, blue or purple float and has many long thin tentacles hanging below. Human contact with the tentacles usually results in painful stings that leave lesions and ulcerations. “Beachgoers should be aware that these animals can present a serious threat and should report any sightings to NCG,” he said.

As a precaution, swimmers are advised by the Ministry of Fisheries and the NCG to avoid swimming in the affected areas or as a minimum precaution, to wear some form of lightweight protective swimwear that will prevent contact with the skin of the venomous tentacles of the jellyfish. Von Mally stated that the NCG is taking all the necessary precautions and officers have been deployed on the beaches. NCG officers will do patrols on the beaches until there is no jellyfish alert.