Purple flags raised as hazardous marine life reported from Oak Island to Sunset Beach
By BC News Staff Writer
BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC — Beach officials across Brunswick County are reporting an uptick in Portuguese man‑o‑war washing ashore this week, prompting purple‑flag advisories and renewed warnings for residents and visitors. The sightings span multiple local beaches, including Oak Island, Holden Beach, and Sunset Beach, with additional reports extending along the coastline toward the South Carolina line.
Hazardous marine life identified
Portuguese man‑o‑war are easily recognized by their blue or violet gas‑filled floats and long, thread‑like tentacles. Although often mistaken for jellyfish, they are a separate type of marine organism capable of delivering painful stings. Officials note that tentacles can remain active even after the organism has washed ashore or died, increasing the risk for beachgoers walking the tideline.
Public safety crews in Brunswick County have been monitoring the shoreline and advising visitors to avoid contact with any washed‑up specimens. The organisms have been observed both in the surf and on dry sand, where tentacles may be partially buried or stretched by wind and waves. Purple flags have been raised at several access points to alert swimmers to the presence of hazardous marine life.
The current activity aligns with a broader stretch of man‑o‑war sightings along the North Carolina coast. Seasonal winds and shifting currents can push the organisms toward shore, resulting in clusters of strandings over several days. Local officials expect the organisms to remain present intermittently as conditions continue to change.
Residents and visitors are urged to stay aware of posted flags, keep children and pets away from any washed‑up marine life, and avoid handling tentacles. Anyone who experiences a sting should rinse the affected area with saltwater, remove any remaining tentacles with a towel or gloves, and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen.
Brunswick County agencies will continue monitoring conditions and updating advisories as needed. Beachgoers can expect periodic alerts throughout the week as additional reports come in from local departments and coastal access points.
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