SUNSET BEACH, N.C. (WECT) – Beachgoers in Sunset Beach are being asked to keep a look out for Portuguese man o’ wars, according to the town’s fire department.

Per the Sunset Beach FD, multiple man o’ wars have washed ashore this week.

“These things can cause severe pain and welts. If you see one, stay away and notify Beach Rescue for removal,” the SBFD states.

A man o’ war can still sting you weeks after washing ashore, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

“Resembling an 18th-century Portuguese warship under full sail, the man o’ war is recognized by its balloon-like float, which may be blue, violet, or pink and rises up to six inches above the waterline,” NOAA states. “Lurking below the float are long strands of tentacles and polyps that grow to an average of 10 meters (about 30 feet) and may extend by as much as 30 meters (about 100 feet). The tentacles contain stinging nematocysts, microscopic capsules loaded with coiled, barbed tubes that deliver venom capable of paralyzing and killing small fish and crustaceans.

“While the man o’ war’s sting is rarely deadly to people, it packs a painful punch and causes welts on exposed skin.”

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