Orca Encounter Causes Yacht to Sink
A sailing yacht was sunk in the Strait of Gibraltar after being hit by orcas, with two crew members on board, leading to a water leak, officials confirmed. The crew was rescued by a passing oil tanker, marking the latest in a series of killer whale attacks on boats in recent years.
Rescue Operation and Advice to Sailors
The incident occurred at around 9 a.m. local time in the strait between Spain and Morocco, known for frequent human interactions with orcas. The crew put out an emergency call for evacuation after their yacht was damaged by the whales, prompting their rescue by the MT Lascaux tanker. Authorities urge caution in sailing through the area, especially between May and August, when orca sightings are common.
Rise in Killer Whale Confrontations
Reports of orcas interacting aggressively with boats have surged in recent years, with incidents of ramming and sinking vessels on the rise. Researchers and sailors are puzzled by the behavior shift and are exploring methods, such as playing loud music, to deter the predators. Despite a recent decrease in interactions, caution remains advised when navigating waters near Spain and Portugal.