Yacht-sinking orcas return

In the waters off the coast of Spain and Morocco, a pod of orcas has been engaging in unusual and destructive behavior, repeatedly ramming and sinking yachts in the Strait of Gibraltar. This perplexing phenomenon, which began in 2020, has left sailors and scientists grappling with questions about the motivations behind these interactions and the implications for maritime safety and orca conservation.

Grazie Mamma Incident

In November 2023, the yacht Grazie Mamma encountered a pod of orcas in the Strait of Gibraltar. For 45 minutes, the orcas relentlessly targeted the yacht's rudder, causing significant damage and leakage. Despite the crew's successful rescue by the Moroccan Navy and local rescuers, the Grazie Mamma ultimately succumbed to the depths near the port of Tanger Med. This incident, one of the latest in a series of similar encounters, has amplified concerns among sailors navigating the western coast of the Iberian Peninsula.

On May 15, 2024, the 15-meter yacht Alborán Cognac, carrying two people, was rammed by orcas off the coast of Gibraltar. The sailors reported feeling sudden blows to the hull and rudder before the vessel began taking on water. A nearby oil tanker rescued the crew and transported them to safety in Gibraltar, but the yacht could not be saved and eventually sank. This incident marks the seventh reported sinking caused by orcas since May 2020, with five sailboats and two fishing boats falling victim to the unusual behavior.

Theories Behind Orca Behavior

Scientists have proposed several theories to explain the unusual behavior of orcas ramming and sinking boats in the Strait of Gibraltar:

• Some researchers believe the orcas may be engaging in playful behavior, as they are known for their curiosity and intelligence.
• Another theory suggests that the orcas become frustrated when encountering sailboats with inactive engines, leading them to target the rudders.
• Revenge due to traumatic encounters with fishing boats has also been proposed as a possible motivation, although this theory is less widely accepted.
• The behavior could be a social fad among the orcas, similar to trends observed in other animal species.

Despite these theories, marine biologists emphasize the need for further research to fully understand the reasons behind the orcas' actions and urge caution in projecting human narratives onto their behavior.

Safety and Conservation Concerns

The recent orca encounters have raised significant safety concerns among sailors navigating the affected waters, as the repeated attacks have led to the sinking of several boats and substantial damage to others. Addressing this issue is complicated by the endangered status of the orcas involved, which belong to a subpopulation of only about 40 individuals. Conservation efforts must be balanced with ensuring maritime safety.Some boat owners have resorted to using firecrackers and even firearms to deter the orcas, but scientists like Alfredo López Fernandez urge caution, emphasizing the need for accurate information and the importance of remembering that these animals are not monsters, but rather wild creatures exhibiting novel behavior. Collaborative efforts between researchers, conservationists, and maritime authorities will be crucial in developing strategies to mitigate risks while prioritizing the well-being of both humans and orcas in the region.