In the most recent attack by the marine creatures on vessels this year, a sailing firm has reported that a yacht capsized after being assaulted by a pod of orcas for 45 minutes.
The tour company Morskie Mile, which translates to "sea miles" in Polish, said on Facebook that on October 31, when its boat "Grazie Mamma II" was crossing the Strait of Gibraltar between Spain and Morocco, it was assaulted.
(Photo : by OLIVIER MORIN/AFP via Getty Images)
Killer Whales (orcas) are pictured in the fjord of Skjervoy, northern Norway, on November 24, 2021. - Between October and February, Orcas and Humpback whales hunt atlantic herrings to build their stock of protein. The water Temperature is +5C, air temperature is -10C.
How the Orcas Attacked
According to the firm, the whales attacked the boat's rudder, seriously damaging it and caused a leak. The yacht drowned near the entrance to the port of Tanger Med, approximately an hour's drive east of Tangiers, despite the captain's best efforts to get the vessel to the closest port and the Moroccan Navy's involvement in a rescue effort.
The firm claimed in a statement that the boat's crew was uninjured. Lech Lewandowski, the company's owner, issued the identical remark on the website.
The firm stated that it will honor future cruise reservations by utilizing "friends' yachts." The company's website lists the Baltic Sea, Norway, Italy, and the Canary Islands as destinations for upcoming cruises. One journey leg might set you back 1,800 Polish Zloty ($432).
Boats Getting Attacked and Sunk by Orcas
It was discovered in May that three vessels in southern Europe had been attacked and sunk by orcas. Researchers note that although there haven't been any documented human fatalities, orca-human encounters have been on the rise since 2020.
Many online memes this year said they were entering the "orca wars" on the side of the orcas, in response to the heightened orca-boat interaction.
Tiny cookiecutter sharks launched a protracted attack that resulted in the sinking of a Russian yacht traveling around the world in September.
Read also: Killer Whale Encounter? Half-Eaten Great White Shark Found on Australian Beach Sparks Investigation
A Surge in Orca Attacks
Maritime distress takes an unexpected turn as reports surge regarding orcas attacking boats in various coastal regions.
Known for their intelligence and social complexity, killer whales, or orcas, are exhibiting unprecedented behavior as they engage in aggressive interactions with seafaring vessels. Incidents of ramming, biting, and propeller damage have raised concerns among marine experts, prompting an urgent investigation into the root cause of these extraordinary attacks.
Scientists speculate that the orcas' aggression may stem from stressors such as food scarcity or disturbances in their natural environment. These incidents have left boat operators and passengers bewildered and wary, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness and precautionary measures when navigating waters inhabited by these formidable marine predators.
Authorities are advising mariners to maintain a safe distance and exercise caution to mitigate potential harm to both humans and orcas.
As researchers delve into the intricacies of orca behavior, conservationists stress the importance of sustainable marine practices to ensure the well-being of these apex predators and prevent further confrontations.
The unusual surge in aggressive encounters serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance required to coexist with nature's majestic creatures in the vast expanses of our oceans.
Related article: Portugal Bans Killer Whale Tourist Attraction Following Series of Boat Attacks
