Horseneck Beach Closed After Portuguese Man O'War Sighting

WESTPORT, MA — A Portuguese man o'war was sighted in the waters of Horseneck Beach in Westport Monday, the Department of Conservation and Recreation said, closing the waters.

Beachgoers are still allowed to visit the beach and parking areas, but cannot go near the waters.

The Portuguese man o' war, also known as the man-of-war, is a marine hydrozoan found in the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the man o'war has numerous venomous microscopic nematocysts which deliver a painful sting powerful enough to kill fish, and has been known to occasionally kill humans.

The tentacles contain stinging microscopic capsules loaded with coiled, barbed tubes that deliver venom capable of paralyzing and killing small fish and crustaceans, NOAA said.

Officials said other dangerous weather conditions, including rip currents, added to their decision to close off the water.

The water is expected to reopen to the public Tuesday morning.