The massive influx of Portuguese man o’ war jellyfish, whose stings are notoriously painful, has been described as an “invasion” by local media in the state of Queensland, Australia.

Coastguard association Surf Life Saving said a “whopping” 3 595 people had suffered painful burns after encounters with the creatures, also known as bluebottles for their transparent bluish appearance. At least four major beaches remained closed as the organization warned that even more jellyfish were on their way.