By-the-wind sailor in Thailand

A blue float with a clear sail that drifts with the wind and sometimes washes up in thousands. Usually close to harmless for people, but still best not handled.

What it looks like

A flat, oval deep-blue float with rings and a short blue fringe of tentacles below. On top stands a thin, clear triangular sail set diagonally.

Size: Float usually up to 7 cm.

Where and when in Thailand

Lives in the open sea; steady onshore winds bring it to the coast, mostly to beaches facing the open ocean.

Andaman Sea

The sting

Most people feel nothing. Mild skin irritation is possible, and strong burning if you rub your eyes after touching it.

First aid

📞 Emergency medical services in Thailand: 1669

Rinse skin with seawater and do not rub your eyes. Use a cold pack for irritation; if eyes are affected, rinse them and see a doctor.

Lookalikes

Blue button — a round disc without a sail. Bluebottle — an inflated crested float with long tentacles and a much stronger sting.

Did you know

• Some sailors have the sail angled to the right and others to the left, so the wind spreads them in different directions.
• Stranded sailors dry out quickly into thin, clear films.

Also called: Velella, Purple sail