Myrtle Beach Police and beach officials issued alerts Tuesday after a Portuguese man‑of‑war washed ashore, urging visitors to use caution along the Grand Strand.
MYRTLE BEACH, SC — Myrtle Beach officials issued a public safety alert Tuesday after a Portuguese man‑of‑war washed ashore along the city’s beachfront, prompting warnings about venomous marine life drifting into the Grand Strand surf zone.
The alert, shared by Myrtle Beach Police, followed a Monday sighting that was confirmed and photographed by officers. The department reported that strong currents and shifting conditions are pushing marine vegetation and hazardous wildlife toward the shoreline. The Portuguese man‑of‑war, known for its long tentacles and painful sting, was among the organisms found.
Additional warnings circulated across the region Tuesday as news outlets confirmed the sighting and reminded visitors that the species can deliver a severe sting even after washing ashore. Lifeguards and beach patrols along Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach monitored conditions throughout the day, though no additional incidents were reported as of late afternoon.
The presence of a Portuguese man‑of‑war is uncommon but not unprecedented along the South Carolina coast. Seasonal winds and offshore currents occasionally carry the organisms northward, leading to isolated strandings along the Grand Strand. Officials emphasized that beachgoers should avoid touching any jellyfish‑like organisms, whether in the water or on the sand.
If stung, visitors are advised to remove tentacles with gloves or tweezers, rinse the area with vinegar to neutralize stinging cells, and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen. Lifeguards remain on duty along the city’s busiest stretches and can assist with first aid.
No similar reports were confirmed Tuesday along Brunswick County beaches in North Carolina, where the last documented man‑of‑war sightings occurred in 2025.
Officials expect normal beach operations to continue but encourage visitors to stay aware of posted flags and advisories as conditions shift through the week.
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