Importance Score: 72 / 100 🔴
Unusual Natural Phenomenon Leaves Majorca Beach Covered in Blue Mass
An extraordinary natural event has resulted in a beach in Majorca being blanketed by a viscous blue substance. Tourists and residents on the Balearic island awoke to find the typical golden sands of this popular vacation destination replaced by an unexpected sight.
Coastlines in Port de Sóller were overwhelmed with countless slimy blue organisms, surprising early morning beachgoers.
A video capturing this peculiar scene illustrates the continuous arrival of these strange masses, washed ashore by the ocean waves.
Despite the otherworldly appearance, this incident has a perfectly natural explanation.
By-the-Wind-Sailor Jellyfish: The Culprits Behind the Blue Tide
The peculiar objects are identified as By-the-wind-sailor jellyfish, frequently deposited on beaches due to strong winds and currents.
Jake Bullit, a FaceBook user, documented the presence of By-the-wind-sailor jellyfish on the shore and shared his observation online.
‘Thousands of Velella (By-the-wind-sailor) have washed up at the western end of the bay, with many more still being carried to the beach,’ he reported.
The unusual objects are in fact By-the-wind-sailor jellyfish which are often washed ashore by strong winds.
By-the-wind-sailors are common in warmer waters during spring and winter. They are named for their unique shape resembling a ship’s sail.
Harmless Sting and Beach Cleanup Challenges
While strikingly similar in appearance to the Portuguese man o’ war, known for its painful sting, By-the-wind-sailors pose no significant threat to humans. Their sting is weak, causing only minor skin irritation.
The immediate concern for Majorca beaches is managing the disposal of these deceased creatures. If not promptly removed, they can decompose, producing an unpleasant smell and attracting insects.
About By-the-Wind-Sailor Jellyfish
By-the-wind-sailors thrive in warmer ocean waters, especially during the spring and winter seasons.
Their common name originates from their distinctive shape, which resembles a tiny sail of a ship.
Living up to their name, these jellyfish travel in large groups across oceans, utilizing their ‘sail’ to navigate the currents.
During their oceanic journeys, By-the-wind-sailors use their tentacles and stinging cells to capture and feed on smaller marine animals and juvenile fish.