Giant Jellyfish Causes Chaos in Rye

            Over 100 swimmers were stung by an enormous 50 pound jellyfish today at Wallis Sands State Beach in Rye.  Five children were hospitalized and taken to the Portsmouth Regional Hospital by ambulance.

            The jellyfish, which had tentacles as long as 100 feet, is common around New England waters, but one of that size is virtually unheard of.  “That’s the largest we have around here,” said Robert Royer, aquarist at the Seacoast Science Center.  “I’ve never heard of them getting 50 pounds…” 

            Local New Hampshire resident Alysia Bennett took her three children to the beach for a relaxing day in the sun.  That was ruined when they all came screaming out of the water, crying.  “They were terrified,” she said.

            Medical responders who came to the beach were most concerned with the possibility of severe allergic reactions.  The hospital official reported that there were no serious injuries.