Experts on marine mammals suspect that orcas may feel threatened and are proactively attacking vessels passing through their territory.
After reviewing video footage of several incidents, scientists identified the culprits as 2 to 3 young orcas. They noted that two of them were severely injured, which could have influenced their behavior. Researchers are unsure whether these injuries were sustained prior to or during the collisions with the vessels, but it is possible that the orcas felt threatened.
Orcas attacking vessels off the coast of Spain. (Photo: SCMP).
“This is not retaliatory behavior. They are acting as a precautionary measure. It seems that the orcas do not have a premeditated plan to cause harm to vessels. In our opinion, the pod of orcas has no intention of attacking humans,” stated Alfredo López, a biology professor at the Marine Mammal Research Coordination Institute.
New reports of orcas ramming boats off the coast of Spain emerged in early September 2020, while encounters began in early July 2020. Numerous sailors reported orcas striking their vessels. A Spanish Navy ship lost its rudder after being hit by several orcas. Graeme Walker, a Scottish yacht owner, shared that his boat was surrounded and attacked by three orcas on September 22. Justin Crowther, a British sailor who was rescued after an attack, noted that upon reaching shore, he realized the pod of orcas nearly capsized his yacht.
On the same day, Spain’s Ministry of Transport announced that sailing vessels shorter than 15 meters are prohibited from moving between Cabo Prioriño Grande and Punta de Estaca de Bares, the site of the attacks. This is a preventive measure aimed at protecting both the crew and the orcas. According to López, although the number of orca attacks on vessels has increased, such incidents remain relatively rare. Only 20% of these encounters reported property damage.
Orcas (Orcinus orca) are apex predators distributed widely across the world’s oceans. When fully grown, they can weigh up to 6 tons and measure between 7 to 10 meters in length. They are at the top of the food chain and often hunt in pods. Orcas have a diverse diet, including fish, penguins, seals, sea lions, stingrays, squid, seabirds, and even whales and sharks.
