City of Albany issue public warning after deadly blue-ringed octopus sighted near Emu Point

The City of Albany has issued a public safety alert urging beachgoers to tread carefully after a blue-ringed octopus was seen at Emu Point on Tuesday.

Sightings of the highly venomous sea creature were reported to the city on Tuesday.

Simon Williams posted a photo to Facebook of a dead blue-ringed octopus found on his boat carpet on the same day, saying he was lucky he was paying attention and wearing shoes.

“Blue-ringed octopuses are small but highly venomous,” the City of Albany’s Facebook warning said.

“Their bite can be life-threatening and may not be immediately painful.

“Blue-ringed octopus often shelter in rock crevices, shells, and other debris.

“Please be extremely cautious when handling dead shells, discarded cans or bottles, and when turning over rocks in shallow areas.”

This is not the first blue-ringed octopus sighting in Albany waters, with the deadly animals spotted around the coast including at Emu Point, Quaranup Beach, Nanarup Beach, and Rushy Point, as well as in crab nets and cray pots pulled up from King George Sound and Princess Royal Harbour.

Locals were quick to share experiences of blue-ringed octopus sightings after the warning was posted, including posting photos of previous sightings around the rock groyne at Emu Point.

The City of Albany urged beachgoers to keep a keen eye out when walking around Albany beaches, and if they see a blue-ringed octopus to stay well away from it and report the sighting.