‘Thousands’ of creatures appear on Westcountry beach

“Thousands” of the jellyfish-like creatures known as wind sailors have been found washed up on a Cornish beach, to the dismay of local beach keepers.

Friends of Portheras Cove shared their thoughts after being greeted with the “sad” sight on Thursday (May 23). They believe strong winds are to blame for the stranding.

Cornwall Wildlife Trust explains that wind sailors are not unique organisms, but colonial hydroids, similar in nature to the Portuguese Man O’Wars. These creatures are composed of a colony of different organisms working together, presenting the appearance of an animal.

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The name “by-the-wind-sailor” comes from their unique “sail” feature, which catches the wind and propels them along the ocean currents. Recognized by their blue-purple oval disc and distinctive semicircular fin, these creatures use short tentacles to sting and capture prey like small fish, although they pose no real threat to humans.

After stormy conditions, it is common to see hundreds or even thousands of these creatures at the beach as they are entirely at the mercy of the wind. The recent incident at Portheras Cove is attributed to strong north-westerly winds pushing the creatures ashore.

In a Facebook post, Friends of Portheras Cove wrote: “Mass of 1000s of By-the-Wind-Sailors in the bay today due to strong onshore NWs. So sad to see these amazing creatures like this.

“They are tiny hydrozoans, each a colony of different organisms living together in harmony, so they look like one animal. The “sail” top section allows them to float above the waves drifting with the tides and winds, but they are completely the same. at the mercy of the elements and so cannot head far offshore if the wind then blows in that direction!

“Although related to the larger and more dangerous Portuguese-Man-o-War, these little people are not harmful to us (although we wouldn’t encourage your dogs to sniff or lick them!). Mother Nature’s drawings (as always) are the most beautiful.”