Beaches along the south shore of the Island were closed to swimming as of early Thursday morning, as unusually large waves of the creatures continued to wash up.
Vineyard beach managers are reporting sightings of Portuguese man-of-war on south-facing beaches this month, with one report of a person stung.
Island waters have been invaded by Portuguese man-of-war in at least three towns in the past week, beach managers are reporting. The jellyfish-like creatures have washed up on beaches in Edgartown, Aquinnah and Chilmark, as well as in Westport, according to mainland news reports.
South-facing beaches along Martha’s Vineyard are under high risk for rip currents today, the National Weather Service has announced. The warning will remain in effect through Monday evening.
In response to the warning, The Trustees of Reservations has closed the beach at Long Point Wildlife Refuge. Swimmers are encouraged to use the pond for swimming.
