Orcas continue to attack boats: over 700 incidents since 2020

by Else BeekmanElse Beekman
orcas attacked boat

Marine biologists are investigating the aggressive behaviour of orcas off the Spanish coast after the fifth vessel was sunk by these marine mammals. Since 2020, there have been over 700 incidents involving the same group of orcas, resulting in the sinking of five ships. Experts suggest that this behaviour might be learned and not merely playful.

orcas attack boat

The recent incident involved the British registered yacht, Bonhomme William, owned by 59-year-old IT company owner Robert Powell. The yacht departed from Vilamoura, Portugal, for a ten-day sailing trip to Greece. Just 22 hours into the journey, the 12-metre boat was attacked by a group of five orcas near Punta Camarinal. “At first, I thought we had hit a rock,” Powell told British media and CNN. “But then I saw an orca.” The orcas repeatedly rammed the boat, focusing first on the rudder to disable steering and then spreading out to hit different parts of the hull. “They knew exactly how to make us sink,” Powell said. “It was terrifying.”

A growing pattern of attacks

According to Powell, the attacks were not random. The orcas seemed to have a strategic approach, similar to a pack of wolves. “They took turns ramming the boat, first targeting the rudder up to 15 times, then hitting the hull,” he explained. Despite attempts to deter the orcas with flares and turning off the engine, the attacks continued. After 90 minutes, the damage was so severe that the yacht began to take on water, forcing the crew to abandon ship just three kilometres from the Spanish coast.

Possible causes and expert opinions

Marine biologists believe the orcas’ behaviour could be a learned response. Some experts, including Dr. Luke Rendell from the University of St. Andrews, suggest that an incident in May 2020, where an orca was injured by a boat, may have triggered this aggressive behaviour. “There are multiple reports of orcas developing unique behaviours through social learning,” Dr. Rendell told The Conversation. “This group might have learned to disable boats after one of them was injured by a rudder.”

Implications for the future

The ongoing attacks pose a challenge for marine conservation efforts. “If these orcas continue to attack ships, it will be increasingly difficult to protect them,” Dr. Rendell noted. The political pressure to take action is growing, as mariners are reluctant to change their routes. Powell also called for more timely intervention by the Spanish coast guard to prevent further attacks and ensure the safety of both mariners and marine life.

Images: @salvamentogob

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