Spanish researchers hypothesize that orcas may be practicing hunting large prey such as bluefin tuna by attacking boats.
A pod of orcas attacked a boat named Amidala off the coast of Spain, damaging the rudder to the extent that the two-person crew became stranded near Cape Finisterre. Interactions between orcas and boats have frequently appeared in recent news, with over 600 reports from 2020 to 2024. They have intercepted vessels off the coasts of Morocco, Spain, and Portugal, primarily targeting smaller sailing boats and paying particular attention to the rudders, according to IFL Science.
Orcas have become a threat to boats offshore Morocco, Spain, and Portugal in recent years. (Photo: Milvus 80)
The latest attack on the Amidala did not cause the boat to capsize as previous incidents had. Some hypotheses suggest that these attacks are behavioral learning that spreads through the pod from individuals who have had negative experiences with boats. In a paper published in the journal Ocean & Coastal Management, the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute (BDRI) in Spain proposed a new hypothesis that orcas might be training.
Orcas are large predators capable of taking down sizeable prey such as Atlantic bluefin tuna. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), these creatures can grow up to 4 meters long and weigh 907 kilograms, with a hydrodynamic body shape and a white underside, resembling a boat. Catching bluefin tuna is not easy, as they are muscular fish that can swim at speeds of up to 45 km/h and accelerate faster than a Porsche. Catching them requires training, and boats serve as perfect simulation objects.
Animals prepare for hunting scenarios through play. Interactions with boats by orcas signify playful behavior, a characteristic of highly intelligent mammals. Playing with simulated prey gives marine mammals the opportunity to develop and refine both cognitive and physical skills, according to BDRI. If orcas do not learn how to hunt, it could affect their survival capabilities. To survive, orcas adapt in various ways to catch bluefin tuna, including coordinating with their pods, exhausting the tuna, and even retrieving prey from nets left by humans.
During their interactions with boats, orcas engage in a variety of actions such as ramming, lifting their bodies, and biting with varying degrees of force. These behaviors may serve as practice for orcas, where boats become stimuli for play, reinforcing their coordination techniques, preparing for the chase of bluefin tuna, enhancing their motor skills, and ultimately simulating hunting activities.
The research team concluded that more investigation is needed to truly understand what motivates orcas to follow recreational boats. Data from this research will help better protect vulnerable populations, boats, and passengers.
