A confrontation between a pod of killer whales and a sailboat is an event that rarely happens, but can still have startling consequences. A recent incident in the Strait of Gibraltar, between Spain and Morocco, demonstrates the impressive strength and unpredictable behavior of these animals.
in a sunny day Sunday morning Two crew members of the Alboran Cognac sailing boat were calmly sailing through the waters of the Strait of Gibraltar, when suddenly a pod of killer whales appeared. The 15-meter-long sailboat became the target of their unexpected attacks, resulting in severe damage to its hull and rudder. The killer whales proved unstoppable, causing the boat to sink.
The crew was startled by the attack and immediately issued a distress call. The Spanish Rescue Center in Tarifa was informed of the critical situation. They advised the crew to wear their life jackets and keep emergency equipment ready for a possible rescue.
Since the incident occurred in Moroccan waters, the Spanish authorities have informed their Moroccan counterparts of the situation. The urgent evacuation of those on board began immediately. A Moroccan rescue ship rushed to the site to safely transport the crew members, and a helicopter was sent from Spain to explore the area.
Killer whales have proven to be relentless in their attacks on sailboats. Ultimately, the ship sank after the crew was safely transported to shore. The damage to the hull and rudder was too severe to save the ship. This incident underscores the unpredictability and power of killer whales, which can sometimes react in ways that are difficult for humans to understand.
Why do killer whales do this?
There are several theories about the motive behind killer whale attacks on sailboats. Some experts believe the animals mistake the boats for prey, such as whales or sea lions. Others suggest that killer whales are simply curious and want to explore the boats. Stress or territorial behavior can also play a role.
We must be careful with killer whales because of the increasing pressure on their habitat. Pollution, overfishing, and climate change can affect their behavior. This incident is a reminder to treat these animals and their environment with care.
What should you do in the event of an attack?
Government Advise Do not sail in the restricted area in the Gulf of Cadiz and the Strait of Gibraltar between April and August. If you sail, stay as close to shore as possible and always stay within safety limits.
When encountering a whale, whether a motor boat or a sailboat, the advice is not to stop the boat and head towards the coast, towards the shallow water. This is in contrast to advice Orca ibericawhich recommends slowing down if possible, setting the sails and turning off the autopilot.
