In the past year, a group of killer whales has been attacking boats off the coasts of Spain and Portugal, leaving scientists baffled. This pod of orcas, considered an endangered group, typically arrives during spring to hunt tuna. However, this year, a small group of two adults has been responsible for the majority of the attacks – around one a week. Last month alone, three boats sunk after being targeted, and just last week, a yacht captain reported being attacked.
While researchers are still struggling to understand the unusual boating behaviour, several theories are being explored. One possibility is that the orcas are reacting to something traumatic they experienced with human vessels, such as becoming tangled in fishing gear. Another theory is that the behaviour is being passed on among the group, potentially originating from a female orca named “White Gladis” who started exhibiting “defensive behaviour” after an incident with a fishing line. Scientists speculate that other orcas may have copied the behaviour.
In the waters off the coasts of Spain and Portugal, orcas have been seriously damaging boats, leading researchers to investigate why this behaviour is happening. Three orcas rammed into a Swiss yacht sailing in the Strait of Gibraltar on May 4th, causing it to sink from the damage it sustained. Since 2020, orcas in the area have sunk at least three vessels and have interacted with more than 500 other boats. Although researchers do not have definitive answers, it is suggested that White Gladis is a potential catalyst for the attacks. After what may have been a traumatic experience she exhibited “defensive behaviour” which other orcas may have picked up.
While the aggressive orcas may be distressing for boat owners, the phenomenon has become popular on social media, with Twitter users posting memes imagining a world where orcas are the leaders instead of humans! Despite the online popularity of these events, biologists are still stumped in understanding the behaviour, its triggers and its cause. Researchers, and sailors alike, are concerned not just for the safety of sailors but also for the potential harm to the orcas if they continue to ram boats, causing injury to the creatures.
As the attacks gain more attention, sailors are becoming increasingly nervous. The Portuguese government has already advised boat owners to turn off engines when orcas are spotted due to previous incidents of aggressive behaviour. While the aggression has primarily been focused on boats, researchers are concerned about the safety of sailors and the potential harm to the killer whales if their behaviour continues.
In conclusion, the recent attacks by orcas off the coasts of Spain and Portugal have left scientists puzzled as they search for an explanation. While theories have been posited, no clear reason for the sudden aggression has been found. The incidents have sparked online interest and concern for sailors, as well as for the orcas themselves. It is hoped that further research will help us to understand this unusual behaviour and find ways to protect both sailors and the orcas.
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