In May 2024, an orca pod attacked a 50-foot yacht on the Moroccan coast. Over the last few years, the incident has been one of many in the Spain, Portugal, Morocco, and Gibraltar areas. These numerous attacks beg the question–what is causing orcas to behave this way?
The Attack
At 09:00 (local time), the yacht called “Alboran Cognac” was attacked by an unknown number of orcas in the Strait of Gibraltar. Eyewitnesses describe that the orcas repeatedly rammed the vessel’s hull and rudder, catastrophically damaging it. As the two-man crew tried to steer the yacht to safety, it began taking on water.
Rescue Operations
The crew called the Spanish maritime authorities for help but were rescued by a passing oil tanker. As the yacht took on more water, it became clear it would sink. Ultimately, despite rescue efforts, it could not be salvaged and sank quickly. The yacht was owned by the Spanish charter company Alboran Charter.
The Killer Whale
Orcas, also known as Killer Whales, are among the world’s most powerful predators. They can grow up to 32 feet, weigh roughly six tons, and have a lifespan of 50 to 80 years. They live in groups called Pods, use echolocation to move around, and can be found worldwide. They are at the top of the marine food chain, as they are known to eat penguins, seals, sea lions, and even other whale species.
Understanding Orca Behavior
Marine biologists have several theories regarding these increasing orca attacks. Some suggest that they result from playful behavior rather than predatory aggression. As intelligent and social creatures, their interactions with boats may stem from curiosity or playfulness. However, other experts believe past negative encounters with vessels and sailors have led to defensive and retaliatory behavior.
A History of Attacks
This incident is not isolated; since 2020, there have been roughly 700 documented encounters between orcas and vessels in this region. During these encounters, pods could be seen nudging, circling, ramming, and splitting apart vessels, which ultimately sank. The “Alboran Cognac” is one of at least five boats sunk by this particular orca pod in recent years.
Orcas in the Strait of Gibraltar
Researchers believe that the attacks, starting in 2020, were all from a single pod called Iberian. This particular pod frequents the area between May and August each year, looking for bluefin tuna. The Strait of Gibraltar is a narrow strip of water between southern Spain and North Africa, separating the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
The Impact on Yacht Charters
When orcas attack a boat, they damage or rip off the rudder, making it impossible to steer the boat away and to safety. Researchers believe this is a learned behavior as witnesses to attacks have reported seeing individual orcas teach their fellow pod members how to do this. This partially accounts for the increase in attacks.
How Human Interaction Plays a Role
While marine biologists do not know why this pod is attacking boats, experts hypothesize that the increase in orca encounters results from rising boating and sailing activities in their habitats. This theory may have been proved correct when a pod interfered in a sailing race in 2023. The working theory is that as more boats navigate their waters, orcas may react to perceived environmental threats or disturbances.
Implementing Safety Measures
When more attacks were reported and boats sunk, Spanish ministries for transport and environment warned sailors and boaters alike to stay clear of the area between May and August or otherwise remain close to the shoreline. They strongly advised staying away from these mammals and refraining from provoking or hurting them.
Conservation
GT Orca Atlantica emphasizes the need to research, protect, and understand orca populations and their behaviors. With more than 37 orcas frequenting the Strait of Gibraltar, studying their interactions with human activity is crucial for both conservation efforts and suggesting a way to sail safely in that area.
The Public Reacts
Media coverage of these incidents has sparked public interest and concern regarding orca behavior. Media reports highlight the danger orcas pose but are fascinated and baffled by their behavior. Some suggest that the initial attacks were started by one single female orca who began harassing boats during her pregnancy. However, it is still unclear why these attacks started.
Orca Pod vs Yachts
Despite at least five boats being sunk by orcas over the last few years, there is no evidence to suggest that orcas are specifically targeting humans for sport. More evidence suggests that the attacks result from playfulness, curiosity, and potentially perceived threats to a vulnerable marine group.
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