Advertisement
Why Are Orcas Attacking Boats? Experts Weigh In
- Share Content on Facebook
- Share Content on LinkedIn
- Share Content on Flipboard
- Share Content on Reddit
- Share Content via Email
For the past few years, orcas attacking boats have been making headlines, most recently off the coasts of Spain in the Atlantic Ocean. These incidents, involving a group of orcas known as the Iberian orcas, have been occurring since 2020.
Once seen as gentle giants — partly because of "Free Willy" and SeaWorld — these striking black-and-white mammals are now the center of a curious debate.
Is this a maliciously motivated attack on humans, or are they simply playing around with us?Let's explore this strange behavior and find out whether experts think it's an anomaly or the new standard for orca interactions.
The Lowdown on Killer Whales
Recent attacks on boats, experts debate: playful curiosity or trauma response.
An orca, also known as a killer whale ( Orcinus orca ), is a large marine mammal from the dolphin family recognizable by its black-and-white coloring. Orcas can grow up to 32 feet (9.8 meters) in length and weigh up to 11 tons (10 metric tonnes).
These highly social apex predators are known for their complex social structures and sophisticated behaviors. Orcas live in family groups called pods , usually led by the oldest female, with multiple generations included. These pods can consist of a few individuals to several dozen; multiple pods form clans, which in turn make up a community.
Orcas use echolocation and unique vocalizations for navigation, hunting and communication. Each pod has distinct calls that help maintain group cohesion and coordinate activities. They engage in cooperative hunting, herding fish or hunting seals together, with their diet varying based on region and pod specialization.
Playful behavior, such as breaching and tail-slapping, helps strengthen social bonds among orcas, while social grooming reinforces these connections.
Could this inherent playfulness be the reason for the recent string of boat attacks? More on that in a bit.
In May 2024, an unknown number of orcas attacked a 49-foot-long (15-meter-long) sailing yacht named Alboran Cognac in the Strait of Gibraltar, a narrow waterway between southern Spain and North Africa that connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea.
Reuters reported that the incident occurred around 9 a.m. local time when the orcas repeatedly rammed the boat's hull and rudder, causing significant damage. The yacht's crew (just two people) radioed for aid and managed to be rescued by a passing oil tanker, but the yacht ultimately sank due to the damage it sustained.
These attacks are part of a series of interactions reported since 2020 , primarily involving a subpopulation of Iberian orcas — around 40 killer whales living off the coasts of Spain, Portugal, Morocco and Gibraltar.
Most attacks occur between May and August each year in and around the Strait of Gibraltar . However, earlier this year, some of these highly social apex predators were spotted circling a boat in northern Spain, suggesting they have spread out much further and are engaging in this behavior earlier than usual.
As a result, Spanish authorities have warned recreational boaters to avoid sailing too far from the coast and to not stop their vessels if approached by orcas, according to a statement from Spain's maritime rescue service.
Sailors are now considering adding extra armor to their vessels — or at least investing in some orca deterrents — if only such a thing existed.
So, if you're planning a trip through these waters, watch for these mischievous marine mammals. And maybe, just maybe, consider bringing along a decoy yacht to distract them.
The behavior driving these so-called attacks is still being studied, and many theories have emerged. As we hinted earlier, some researchers suggest that the orcas might engage in these interactions out of curiosity or playfulness.
These creatures are known for their intelligence and complex social behaviors, and these attacks may be a form of play or social learning. Similar to how other animals engage in play to develop skills or for entertainment, orcas might be doing the same with boats.
Another theory is that these behaviors are part of a learned fad within the orca population. This idea is supported by observations of other cultural phenomena among orcas, such as carrying dead salmon on their heads, which were short-lived trends.
Essentially, the attacks might have started as an isolated incident and then spread through social learning within the pod.
Some experts believe that the attacks could be a response to a traumatic event experienced by one or more orcas. For example, a collision with a vessel could have caused injuries or distress, leading the orcas to associate boats with danger and respond aggressively.
An orca named White Gladis is often mentioned in this context, as she may have had a negative encounter with a boat. Her apparent distress and subsequent aggressive behavior toward ships might have been observed and adopted by other orcas in her pod. This learned behavior could then spread through social learning, leading to the increased frequency of these attacks seen since 2020.
Conservation Concerns and Public Opinion
Conservationists are worried that these attacks might lead to negative perceptions of orcas and potentially harmful responses from the public.
“I hope that they stop doing it as quickly as they started because it’s actually imposing a risk on themselves,” Hanne Strager, a marine biologist and author of “The Killer Whale Journals,” told the New York Times . She noted that this behavior adds strain to an endangered species, as the negative publicity might result in detrimental actions against the orcas.
Another perspective is that these attacks are a response to environmental pressures such as a decrease in prey availability, increased boat traffic or interactions with fisheries. These stressors could be causing the orcas to exhibit unusual behaviors as they adapt to changing conditions in their habitat.
Social Media and Public Opinion
Social media has played a significant role in shaping public opinion about these incidents. Many users have joked about "orca rebellions" and formed "Team Orca," sympathizing with the killer whales and viewing the attacks as a form of playful resistance.
However, there are also concerns that these humorous takes could minimize the serious implications of the behavior and the potential risks to both humans and orcas.
Monika Wieland Shields, cofounder and director of the Orca Behavior Institute, wrote an op-ed in response to the outpouring of love for the orca uprising. "We recognize that we have done enough to the world to deserve orcas attacking us in response. Laughing at the memes is fine, but my hope is that people will also reflect on this one a bit further."
We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.
Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article:
- Skip to main content
- Skip to primary sidebar
- Skip to footer
DIVE Magazine
Scuba Diving Luxury Travel Magazine
Study explains why Orcas are attacking boats in the Strait of Gibraltar
13 June 2023 5 minutes
Experts say an orca known as ‘White Gladis’ may be attacking and damaging vessels after being traumatised by a boat injury, triggering a behavioural change that other orcas are imitating
By Victoria Heath
A 2022 study has shed light on the reasons why orcas (killer whales) have been attacking boats in the Strait of Gibraltar, with researchers theorising that the incidents began after a vessel injured a female orca named White Gladis .
Since the attacks began in 2020, three boats have been sunk and more than 250 damaged by a group of orcas, with the animals appearing to deliberately target the vessels’ rudders.
Of the 35 killer whales in the region, 15 are reported to have been involved in the highly unusual interactions, which experts think began after White Gladis’ behaviour altered in a ‘defensive’ fashion after she suffered a ‘critical moment of agony’ involving a boat collision or illegal fishing entrapment – leading to other orcas damaging passing vessels in response.
A study published in June 2022 in the journal Marine Mammal Science has found that assaults by the orcas are directed mainly at sailing boats. There is a clear pattern of orcas striking the rudders, with spade rudders the most targeted and damaged type, and then losing interest once the boat has successfully stopped.
The general movement of the orcas involved in the incidents was from the Strait of Gibraltar to Galicia in northern Spain, with at least one of the groups returning to southern Portugal.
Related stories
- Life Changing: Todd Thimios’ stunning Norway orca photography
- 57-year-old orca held captive in Florida aquarium to be released
- Orca adopts – or kidnaps – pilot whale calf
- Stunning footage of orcas killing great whites
- Spate of great white deaths confirm predation by orcas
Understanding why orcas are damaging boats
After analysing over 47 testimonies, 110 pictures, and 69 videos, the study theorises some motivations that the orcas had to interact with vessels: a ‘punctual aversive incident’ such as collision with a vessel; the natural curiosity of the animals; or pressures already identified for killer whales such as prey depletion, boat disturbance and interaction with fisheries.
The study also considered how orcas – which are known to possess high cognitive abilities – are easily able to reproduce behaviour via social learning. In previous studies, the use and transmission of hunting techniques have been investigated in this particular subpopulation of orcas, leading to concerns from researchers that more orcas will eventually learn this new behaviour, aggravating the situation.
But co-author of the recent study, Alfredo López Fernandez , a biologist at the University of Aveiro in Portugal and representative of the Grupo de Trabajo Orca Atlántica (Atlantic Orca Working Group), said it isn’t as simple as White Gladis ‘teaching’ other orcas to retaliate in the wake of her boat injury.
‘We do not interpret that the orcas are teaching the young, although the behaviour has spread to the young vertically, simply by imitation, and later horizontally among them, because they consider it something important in their lives,’ López Fernandez said.
The orcas’ unusual behaviour could also be seen as a ‘fad’ – a temporary behaviour started by one orca and picked up by others before being abandoned.
According to Lòpez, it appears that orcas believe that the behaviour is advantageous , despite the risks associated with swimming near operating boats. Since these interactions first appeared in 2020, 4 orcas have died , although the deaths cannot be directly linked to the orcas’ encounters with boats.
The timeline of orca incidents
‘The reports of interactions have been continuous since 2020 in places where orcas are found, either in Galicia or in the Strait,’ said Lòpez-Fernadez.
Initially, the interactions baffled both researchers and recreational boat users. Rocío Espada, one of the study’s co-authors, who works with the marine biology laboratory at University of Seville and has observed orcas for years in the Strait of Gibraltar, explained her initial reaction to the orcas’ new behaviour.
‘For killer whales to take out a piece of a fibreglass rudder is crazy,’ Espada said in a 2020 interview with the Guardian . ‘I’ve seen these orcas grow from babies, I know their life stories, I’ve never seen or heard of attacks.’
One of the first reported attacks by orcas on a boat in the Strait of Gibraltar was in July 2020, when orcas rammed the hull of a boat that researcher Victoria Morris was crewing for over an hour, leaving the vessel without steering. In the same year, couple Beverly Harris and Kevin Large were motor-sailing their 50ft boat when orcas began to spin the vessel.
The latest of the three sinkings occurred on 4 May, when German skipper Werner Schaufelberger’s boat was so severely damaged by the orcas that it sank while being towed to safety by the Spanish coastguard.
In June, British sailor Iain Hamilton was marooned for several days after the rudder of his boat, the Butey of Clyde, was destroyed by five orcas off the coast of Gibraltar.
The difficult life led by Gibraltar orcas
A 2011 census of recorded 39 individuals in the Gibraltar orca subpopulation, which today, with 35 members, is classed as Critcally Endangered by the IUCN Red List of threatened species due to a number of factors, including pollution, fishing, food scarcity and sustained injuries.
Orcas are drawn to the area due to the presence of bluefin tuna, a fish also highly-prized by humans, leading to a complex interaction between fishers, orca and tuna. The interaction is often dangerous to the orcas, which are known to ‘steal’ fish from drop lines, resulting while in serious hook injuries to their dorsal fins.
The narrow Strait of Gibraltar is also both a major shipping route and huge draw for whale-watching tours due to the presence of the orcas – leading to the constant threat of boat strikes from the heavy marine traffic.
The future of Gibraltar orcas
The researchers behind the 2022 study into why killer whales are attacking boat traffic in the Strait of Gibraltar are concerned of the potential impact that this behaviour may have on both orcas and mariners.
‘If this situation continues or intensifies, it could become a real concern for the mariners’ safety and a conservation issue for this endangered subpopulation of killer whales,’ the researchers wrote.
‘There is an urgent need to conduct dedicated research that would help better understand the behaviour of the animals and implement mitigation measures.’
The complete study, ‘ Killer whales of the Strait of Gibraltar, an endangered subpopulation showing a disruptive behavior ,’ by Ruth Esteban , Alfredo López et al is published in Marine Mammal Science
- Latest Posts
- Orca attacking adult whale shark to eat its liver - 3 August 2023
- ‘The Deepest Breath’ freediving documentary on Netflixnow - 28 July 2023
- Freediver bitten by oceanic whitetip shark - 27 July 2023
FOLLOW DIVE
Want to access DIVE on your tablet or smartphone? Press the Apple, Android or PC/Mac image below to download the app for your device
More from DIVE
- Get our our free newsletter
- Advertise with DIVE Magazine
- Terms & Conditions
- Privacy Policy
We have emailed you a PDF version of the article you requested.
Can't find the email?
Please check your spam or junk folder
You can also add [email protected] to your safe senders list to ensure you never miss a message from us.
The Puzzling Rise In Orca "Attacks" On Boats Has Been Explained By Whale Scientists
Complete the form below and we will email you a PDF version
Cancel and go back
IFLScience needs the contact information you provide to us to contact you about our products and services. You may unsubscribe from these communications at any time.
For information on how to unsubscribe, as well as our privacy practices and commitment to protecting your privacy, check out our Privacy Policy
Complete the form below to listen to the audio version of this article
Advertisement
Subscribe today for our Weekly Newsletter in your inbox!
Over 600 interactions have been reported since 2020, when the behavior first began.
James Felton
Senior Staff Writer
James is a published author with four pop-history and science books to his name. He specializes in history, strange science, and anything out of the ordinary.
Book View full profile
Book Read IFLScience Editorial Policy
Francesca Benson
Copy Editor and Staff Writer
Francesca Benson is a Copy Editor and Staff Writer with a MSci in Biochemistry from the University of Birmingham.
DOWNLOAD PDF VERSION
Orca hobbies include wearing dead salmon on their head and smashing rudders.
Image credit: Tory Kallman/Shutterstock.com
Scientists at the International Whaling Commission (IWC) have released a report on the recent rise in orcas ramming boats off the Iberian Peninsula.
Since 2020, a small group of orca off the Iberian Peninsula (known as Iberian killer whales) have interacted with vessels off the coast of Morocco, Spain, and Portugal at least 673 times – a lot more than in previous years. These interactions do not tend to end well for the boats, with the ramming behavior mainly targeted at medium-length sailboats typically smaller than 12 meters (29 feet) in length, focusing on spade rudders.
Though not all of these "attacks" resulted in damage, some vessels have been sunk by the orcas, including a Polish yacht in the Strait of Gibraltar in November 2023 . Out of concern for the safety of vessels and the critically endangered whales, the Spanish and Portuguese governments ordered a report into the behavior, which was finally released on Friday. The report – the result of a workshop between biologists, people working in the marine industry, and government officials – explains the behavior and offers advice on how to deal with the interactions.
Though the behavior has prompted Internet talk of an orca communist uprising against the super-rich, the report stresses that the behavior is not even aggressive. In fact, the behavior is likely playful, and the result of having a bit more free time.
"In light of the available observations and reports on the interactions (Item 2.2.1) and the presentations here, the Workshop concluded that there was no evidence that the interactions between Iberian killer whales and vessels are aggressive on the whales’ part," the team wrote in the report . "The behavior has more in common with fads seen elsewhere and seems associated with play or socializing, perhaps encouraged by the recent increased abundance and availability of prey—reducing the time needed for foraging—and by the reduction in negative interactions with fisheries."
Orcas are known to show trends in new behaviors, adopting fads every now and then.
"Different populations often have distinct dietary specializations that are maintained by cultural transmission, and these ‘ecotypes’ typically have a variety of persistent behavioral traditions that are related to their divergent foraging," the report explains. "Some populations may also develop unusual and temporary behavioral ‘fads’ and other idiosyncrasies that do not appear to serve any obvious adaptive purpose. Understanding the recent boat interactions by Iberian killer whales may benefit from an examination of such ephemeral traditions in other well-studied killer whale populations."
In 1987, for obvious example, a group of orcas in the Puget Sound area of the northeast Pacific, one female orca from k-pod began carrying a dead salmon around on her nose. The behavior spread over the next 5-6 weeks, and by the end of it, orcas from her own and two other pods were wearing dead salmon hats. Then, all of a sudden, the fad was over. Bar a few times the following summer and a brief resurgence in 2008– latecomers, like humans just now deciding to wear Flares – the dead salmon hat trend has never been seen again.
The team also noted that males in another group of whales go through periods of "ritualized ramming or butting of heads" every now and then, with the behavior disappearing and reappearing, once ceasing for 20 years before beginning again.
The group suggests the behavior may have evolved from the less harmful behavior of "prop watching", in which killer whales place their head near the propeller wash. Though no other group has taken this "next step" of damaging the rudders, the report suggests more time for playful behavior and more juveniles may have led to the trend.
"It was suggested that some level of playful interactions began earlier with young juveniles, although these initial interactions did not result in rudder damage," the report reads. "This playful behavior may have escalated as the animals grew older."
Similar escalation has been seen in a southern resident killer whale population of Washington, USA, in which the orcas play with porpoises in the harbor to the point of killing them, essentially playing with them to death .
Understanding the behavior is not aggressive will help with reducing potentially dangerous interactions. Attempts to deter the whales – while also being illegal due to the critically endangered status of the whales – are likely reinforcing the behavior, and increasing the risk of damage to vessels. While using sound – such as banging noises – may be necessary during particularly dangerous interactions, long-term the animals could associate the sound with the fun game of smash boat they are playing.
But knowing the behavior is playful, and likely linked to "prop watching", the group suggests a few ways to decrease such interactions. Essentially, this could be achieved by making boats appear less fun for the whales. The group of whales has swum near small-scale fishing vessels in Morocco for decades without such dangerous interactions, possibly due to the rudders being uninteresting to them. Modifying rudders to make them abrasive or bumpy – though not damaging to whales – could make them similarly disinteresting. A trial of this will take place over the summer .
In the meantime, the group recommended that mariners do not make efforts to deter whales from the area, and move away from potentially dangerous interactions.
"Move away from the whales as quickly as possible, at least 2 to 3km [1.2 to 1.9 miles] from the area in which the whales were encountered, either toward the coast (in the Gulf of Cádiz and Strait of Gibraltar) or toward an area where rescue can be expedited," the report adds. "Moving away is not guaranteed to end the interaction or prevent damage, but may reduce the latter’s likelihood. Mariners should alert authorities as soon as an encounter begins, which should help with response time for a rescue if needed."
ARTICLE POSTED IN
killer whales,
More Nature Stories
link to article
Komodo Dragons' Teeth Are Iron-Tipped For Extra Bite, Raising Questions About T. Rexes
Why Are Some Trees Painted White At The Bottom?
Watch As Surprise Yellowstone Eruption Sends Rocks Flying And Visitors Fleeing
$44 Million Stegosaurus, Air Butter, And Life On Venus?
Mammoth Jerky, Endangered Language, And Rocket Science In The Jungle
IFLScience The Big Questions: How Is Climate Change Impacting Our Health?
Orcas Attacking Boats: Understanding the Recent Incidents
Killer whales, also known as orcas, have been known to attack boats in recent years. These attacks have caused concern among boaters and marine biologists alike.
While orcas are known to be intelligent and curious animals, their behavior towards boats has become increasingly aggressive.
Join us below where we will examine the posible causes and implications behind these orca attacks.
Table of Contents
Orca Attacks on Boats
Orcas, also known as killer whales, are apex predators found in oceans worldwide . They are the largest members of the dolphin family and are known for their intelligence, social behavior, and hunting skills.
Orcas are highly adaptable and can be found in both coastal and open ocean environments .
Orcas are highly social animals and live in groups called pods. These pods can range in size from just a few individuals to over 50 individuals.
Pods are typically led by a female orca , known as the matriarch, who is the oldest and most experienced member of the group.
The population of orcas is not well understood, but it is estimated to be between 50,000 and 100,000 individuals worldwide.
However, some populations are considered endangered, such as the Southern Resident population in the Pacific Northwest, which has only 74 individuals as of 2020.
Adult female orcas are the primary caregivers for their young and can live up to 90 years in the wild. Male orcas, on the other hand, have a shorter lifespan of around 50 years.
While orcas are known for their hunting skills, they primarily feed on fish such as salmon , herring, and tuna. However, some populations have been known to feed on marine mammals such as seals, sea lions, and even other whales .
In recent years, there have been reports of orcas attacking boats in various parts of the world. These attacks are rare and are believed to be a result of the orcas mistaking the boats for prey or defending their territory.
It is important to note that these attacks are not a common occurrence and should not deter people from enjoying the ocean.
Orcas and Boats: A Complex Relationship
Orcas, also known as killer whales , have a complex relationship with boats. While they are known to attack boats, the reasons behind these attacks are not fully understood.
Some researchers believe that the attacks may be a result of the orcas mistaking the boats for prey or simply playing with them. Others suggest that the attacks may be a form of aggression towards humans.
Boats can also have a negative impact on orcas. Research has shown that boat traffic can disrupt the feeding activity of orcas, reducing their energy levels and potentially impacting their ability to survive.
In addition, boats can also cause physical harm to orcas, such as injuring their rudders or propellers.
To minimize the negative impact of boats on orcas, various guidelines have been developed for boat operators.
These guidelines include maintaining a safe distance from orcas, reducing speed when in the vicinity of orcas, and avoiding sudden changes in direction or speed that may startle them.
Despite these guidelines, incidents of orcas attacking boats continue to occur. In some cases, the attacks have resulted in serious damage to the boats, putting the safety of the passengers at risk.
Notable Incidents of Orcas Attacking Boats
There have been several incidents of orcas attacking boats, causing damage and posing a threat to the passengers on board.
One such incident occurred in the Strait of Gibraltar in 2020, when a group of orcas targeted sailboats and caused significant damage to their rudders and keels.
The attacks were reportedly aggressive and sustained, with the orcas striking the boats repeatedly.
Another notable incident took place off the coast of Spain in 2019, when an orca attacked a sailboat.
The orca reportedly rammed the boat, causing it to sink , and then continued to attack the passengers as they attempted to swim to safety. Fortunately, all passengers were rescued, but the incident highlights the danger that orcas can pose to humans .
In addition to attacking boats, orcas have also been known to damage fishing gear and nets. In 2021, a group of orcas off the coast of Portugal reportedly damaged fishing gear and caused significant financial losses for local fishermen.
While the reasons for these attacks are not entirely clear, some experts speculate that they may be related to changes in the orcas’ food sources or territorial disputes with other marine mammals.
Regardless of the cause, it is important for boaters and fishermen to be aware of the potential threat posed by orcas and to take appropriate precautions to avoid harm.
Understanding Orca Behavior
Orcas, also known as killer whales, are highly intelligent and social animals that exhibit complex behaviors .
They are known to be playful and curious, often approaching boats and interacting with humans. However, there have been reports of orcas attacking boats, which raises questions about their behavior.
It is important to understand that orcas are apex predators and may exhibit aggressive behavior when they feel threatened or when they are protecting their young.
They are also known to exhibit play behavior, which may sometimes be mistaken for aggression. Playful behavior may include breaching, tail slapping, and spyhopping, among others.
Orcas are capable of experiencing complex emotions, such as joy, grief, and anger. They are highly social and form close bonds with their pod members.
Studies have shown that orcas may exhibit altruistic behavior towards other species, such as humpback whales , by interfering when mammal-eating killer whales attack them.
It is important to note that orcas attacking boats is a rare occurrence and may be due to a variety of reasons, such as mistaking the boat for prey or feeling threatened by the boat’s presence.
It is crucial to practice responsible boating and give these animals the space they need to thrive in their natural habitat.
Scientific Studies and Findings
Scientific studies have been conducted to understand the behavior of orcas, including their attacks on boats.
One study by researchers from the University of Aveiro found that orcas in the Northeast Atlantic have developed a new hunting strategy that involves attacking boats to stun their prey.
This behavior has been observed in orcas that prey on large sharks and rays, and it is believed to be a response to declining fish stocks in the area.
Another study by the Grupo de Trabajo Orca Atlántica (GTOA) found that orcas in the Strait of Gibraltar have also been attacking boats.
The study found that these attacks were most likely a response to the noise and disturbance caused by the boats, which interfered with the orcas’ ability to communicate and hunt.
The GTOA has been working to raise awareness about the impact of boat traffic on orcas and to promote responsible whale watching practices .
Marine Mammal Science has also published several studies on orca behavior, including their interactions with boats.
One study found that orcas in the Pacific Northwest have been known to approach boats to play and interact with humans, but they can also become aggressive if they feel threatened or if their natural behavior is disrupted.
CIRCE Conservación, Information and Research has conducted research on the impact of boat traffic on orcas in the Mediterranean Sea. The organization has found that boat traffic can disrupt orcas’ feeding and communication, and can also lead to collisions and injuries.
The group has been working to promote responsible boating practices and to raise awareness about the importance of protecting orcas and their habitat.
The Orca Behavior Institute has also conducted research on orca behavior, including their interactions with boats.
The organization has found that orcas can become stressed and agitated by boat traffic, which can impact their feeding and communication.
The institute has been working to promote responsible whale watching practices and to raise awareness about the impact of human activity on orcas and their habitat.
Marine Mammal Research at the University of British Columbia has also conducted research on orca behavior, including their interactions with boats. The group has found that orcas can become habituated to boat traffic, which can impact their natural behavior and feeding patterns.
The researchers have been working to promote responsible boating practices and to raise awareness about the importance of protecting orcas and their habitat.
Human Encounters with Orcas
Orcas, also known as killer whales, are known for their intelligence , social behavior, and hunting skills. While they are not typically aggressive towards humans, there have been instances of orcas attacking boats.
Encounters between humans and orcas can vary widely. Some encounters are peaceful and even playful, with orcas approaching boats and interacting with the crew.
Biologists have observed orcas engaging in behaviors such as spyhopping, breaching, and tail slapping in the presence of boats.
However, there have also been reports of orcas attacking boats, particularly those used for fishing. Fishermen have reported orcas damaging their boats and stealing their catch. In some cases, orcas have even capsized boats.
Authorities advise caution when encountering orcas in the wild. It is important to maintain a safe distance and avoid disturbing the animals.
If an orca approaches a boat, it is recommended to turn off the engine and allow the animal to pass.
While orcas are not typically a threat to humans, it is important to treat them with respect and caution. By following guidelines for safe encounters, humans and orcas can coexist peacefully in their shared environment.
Media Coverage and Public Reaction
The recent incidents of orcas attacking boats have garnered significant media attention and public reaction. Videos of the attacks have circulated on social media, drawing widespread concern and interest.
Reuters and CBS News have both reported on the incidents, providing updates as new information becomes available.
The media coverage has focused on the potential reasons for the attacks, including the possibility that the orcas are defending their territory or are reacting to the noise and disruption caused by boats.
The public reaction to the attacks has been mixed, with some expressing sympathy for the orcas and others calling for action to be taken to prevent further incidents.
The attacks have sparked a debate about the impact of human activity on marine life and the need for greater conservation efforts.
Despite the concern and interest generated by the attacks, it is important to note that incidents of orcas attacking boats are relatively rare.
While the recent incidents are cause for concern, they should not be taken as representative of the behavior of all orcas.
Impact on Marine Life and Ecosystem
Orcas, also known as killer whales, are apex predators that play a vital role in the marine ecosystem.
However, their attacks on boats have become a growing concern in recent years. These attacks not only pose a threat to humans but also have a significant impact on marine life and the ecosystem.
The attacks by orcas on boats can cause damage to fishing gear and boats. This can result in financial losses for fishermen and can also lead to the entanglement of marine mammals and other species in fishing gear.
The impact of these attacks is particularly significant in regions such as the Iberian coast, where bluefin tuna is critically endangered.
Orcas are known to attack and prey on marine mammals such as dolphins , porpoises, and seals. These attacks can have a significant impact on the population of these species and can also disrupt the balance of the marine ecosystem.
For instance, a study published in Marine Mammal Science found that orcas attacking minke whales can have a significant impact on their population.
In addition to their direct impact on marine life, the attacks by orcas on boats can also have indirect effects on the ecosystem.
For instance, the disruption of fishing activities can lead to a decrease in the population of certain fish species, which can then have a cascading effect on the food chain.
Orcas, Boats, and the Future
Orcas, also known as killer whales , have been known to attack boats in various situations. While the reasons for these attacks are not always clear, some experts believe that the orcas may be responding to perceived threats or disturbances caused by the boats.
According to a Live Science article, orcas have been known to attack boats that are towing objects, such as fishing nets or buoys.
The orcas may see these objects as potential prey and attempt to take them down. In other cases, the orcas may attack boats that are carrying live game, such as fish or seals . The orcas may see these animals as competition for food and attempt to eliminate them.
To avoid being attacked by orcas, some sailors have developed tactics to make their boats less visible or less attractive to the animals.
For example, some sailors have found that sailing vessels with bright colors or loud engines are more likely to be attacked than those with more subdued colors and quieter engines.
Others have found that sailing vessels with a more stealthy profile or with no sails at all are less likely to be attacked.
Despite these efforts, orca attacks on boats still occur with some frequency. In some cases, the attacks may be purely accidental, with the orcas mistaking the boats for prey. In other cases, the attacks may be deliberate, with the orcas attempting to send a message to the humans on board.
As the sport of whale watching has grown in popularity, so too has the mystery surrounding orca attacks on boats .
While these attacks are still relatively rare, they are not unprecedented. Some experts believe that as more boats take to the water, and as human activity in the oceans continues to increase, we may see more incidents of orcas attacking boats in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the likelihood of orcas attacking boats.
While orcas are not known to attack boats, there have been several documented cases of orcas damaging boats. These attacks are rare, and usually occur when boats get too close to the orcas or their prey.
What are the reasons behind orcas attacking boats?
There are several reasons why orcas may attack boats. One reason is that they may perceive the boat as a threat to their young or their food. Another reason is that they may be curious and investigate the boat.
How can boaters prevent orcas from attacking their boats?
Boaters can prevent orcas from attacking their boats by keeping a safe distance from the orcas and their prey. Boaters should also avoid making loud noises or sudden movements that could startle the orcas.
What should one do if they encounter an orca while boating?
If a boater encounters an orca while boating, they should keep a safe distance from the orca and avoid getting between the orca and its prey. Boaters should also avoid making loud noises or sudden movements that could startle the orca.
Are there any laws protecting orcas from harassment by boaters?
Yes, there are laws protecting orcas from harassment by boaters. In the United States, the Marine Mammal Protection Act prohibits the harassment of marine mammals, including orcas. Boaters who harass orcas can face fines and other penalties.
What are the long-term effects of orcas attacking boats on the ecosystem?
The long-term effects of orcas attacking boats on the ecosystem are not well understood. However, it is possible that repeated attacks could lead to changes in the behavior of the orcas or their prey. It is also possible that repeated attacks could lead to damage to the boats and harm to the people on board.
Cancel reply
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
Well no surprise really we invade their world , leave nets and lines in the Oceans because Fishermen are just to lazy to reel them in . They have been persecuted for century’s . They get injured by Jet Skis . Rudders propellers . Then they get invaded by Plastic , etc so is it any wonder these beautiful creatures fight back . Want to stay safe be more considerate to them and their world . The Human is the most dangerous creature on the Planet .
It seems that Orca whales are only attacking a particular type of boat. These sale boats have long protruding rudders. Could it be that the whales are assuming that that these boats with that type rudder resembles the dorsal fin of a shark. That the whales take these boats as a type or resemblance of a shark threat?
You may also like
Watch a Fearless Surfer Paddle for Their Life Surrounded by Killer Whales in a Storm
Killer Whales Trapped in Ice off Japan’s Hokkaido Coast Successfully Escape
A Pod of Killer Whales is Trapped in Sea Ice Off the Coast of Japan
Scientists Reveal the Real Reason Killer Whales are Attacking Boats
Scientists Are Collecting Killer Whale Poop To Unlock Secrets Of Their DNA
Watch A Killer Whale Launch Its Prey 70 Feet In The Air
Latest articles.
- California Kayakers Nearly Swallowed: Humpback Encounter Turns Surprise Adventure
- Seven Seals Rescued from the Clutches of Ocean Debris
- What’s the Difference Between Seaweed and Seagrass?
- Hilarious Video Shows How Dolphins Use Pufferfish to Get High!
- The Tallest Bridge Ever Built: A Marvel of Modern Engineering
- Are There Sharks in the North Sea?
About American Oceans
The American Oceans Campaign is dedicated primarily to the restoration, protection, and preservation of the health and vitality of coastal waters, estuaries, bays, wetlands, and oceans. Have a question? Contact us today.
Explore Marine Life
- Cephalopods
- Invertebrates
- Marine Mammals
- Sea Turtles & Reptiles
- Sharks & Rays
- Shellfish & Crustaceans
Copyright © 2024. Privacy Policy . Terms & Conditions . American Oceans
- Ocean Facts
Orcas 'attacking' boats are actually just bored teenagers having fun, experts say
Orcas off the coast of Iberia are spending less time hunting and more time exploring new games thanks to the recent recovery of their favorite prey, Atlantic bluefin tuna.
Orcas that have been bumping boats in Iberian waters for four years are likely just bored teenagers with too much time on their flippers, experts say.
A report published May 24 found that orcas ( Orcinus orcas ) involved in a string of boat-ramming incidents in southwestern Europe are spending less time hunting and more time exploring new games now that populations of their favorite prey have rebounded. At least 673 interactions with boats since May 2020, six of which caused the boats to sink, may have resulted from these orcas having more free time, according to the report.
Something about the rudder on the underside of boats appears to attract orcas, particularly young members of the pod that are generally more curious. Whatever it may be, "as they play with the rudder, they don't understand that they can damage the rudder and that damaging the rudder will affect human beings," co-author Alex Zerbini , a senior research scientist at the University of Washington who chairs the scientific committee of the International Whaling Commission, a global body tasked with whale conservation, told The Washington Post .
"There's nothing in the behavior of the animals that suggests that they're being aggressive," Zerbini said.
Fifteen orcas are known to interact with boats, most of them young and teenage males, according to the report. These orcas are a subset of the critically endangered Iberian population, which is thought to number fewer than 40 individuals.
Related: Infamous boat-sinking orcas spotted hundreds of miles from where they should be, baffling scientists
A video released May 17 by the Spanish group Conservation, Information and Research on Cetaceans (CIRCE) shows how the orcas break rudders by nudging them with their noses and heads. It remains unclear how the behavior started, but scientists have largely discarded previous suggestions it could be motivated by revenge and now believe it is more likely related to play.
Sign up for the Live Science daily newsletter now
Get the world’s most fascinating discoveries delivered straight to your inbox.
An orca may have initiated the behavior after touching the rudder of a boat and feeling it was fun to play with, Zerdini said.
"It's a very dangerous game they're playing, obviously," co-author Naomi Rose , a senior scientist and marine mammal expert at the Animal Welfare Institute in Washington D.C., told The Washington Post. "But it's a game."
Iberian orcas playing with boats could be linked to a rise in the abundance of Atlantic bluefin tuna ( Thunnus thynnus ), their favorite food, according to the report. Bluefin tuna were previously the target of rampant overfishing, with numbers nosediving to critical levels in the late 1990s and early 2000s, but populations in the eastern Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea have largely bounced back over the past 15 years.
— Brutal footage shows orca mom and son team up to drown another pod's calf
— Great white shark gets liver torn out by lone orca in under 2 minutes in shocking shift of hunting methods
— Orcas aren't all the same species, study of North Pacific killer whales reveals
The recovery of bluefin tuna stocks could mean orcas "have all this leisure time on their hands because they don't have to eat every fish they find," Rose said. Ramming boats may be trending in a similar way to previous fads — which include orcas wearing dead salmon as hats and tossing baby porpoises around — but there isn't enough data to determine exactly how the behavior is spreading within the population, according to the report.
Ramming boats may be a game to orcas, but it certainly isn't for mariners. In the report, scientists outlined measures to limit the "satisfaction or reward" orcas gain from interacting with boats. These measures include steering clear of orcas when possible, fitting boats with rudders that are abrasive or bumpy rather than smooth and making banging sounds in the water.
"We don't want to see more boats being sunk and we don't want to see people in distress," Zerbini said. "But we also don't want to see the animals being hurt. And we have to remember that this is their habitat and we're in the way."
Sascha is a U.K.-based trainee staff writer at Live Science. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Southampton in England and a master’s degree in science communication from Imperial College London. Her work has appeared in The Guardian and the health website Zoe. Besides writing, she enjoys playing tennis, bread-making and browsing second-hand shops for hidden gems.
2 young orcas ram sailboat off northern France — 800 miles from 'attack' hotspot
Orcas are eating sharks in the Gulf of California — and it may be happening more than we think, experts say
What are ultraprocessed foods?
Most Popular
- 2 No, NASA hasn't warned of an impending asteroid strike in 2038. Here's what really happened.
- 3 James Webb Space Telescope spies strange shapes above Jupiter's Great Red Spot
- 4 What defines a species? Inside the fierce debate that's rocking biology to its core
- 5 Newly discovered asteroid larger than the Great Pyramid of Giza will zoom between Earth and the moon on Saturday
- 2 Newly discovered asteroid larger than the Great Pyramid of Giza will zoom between Earth and the moon on Saturday
- 3 2,000 years ago, a bridge in Switzerland collapsed on top of Celtic sacrifice victims, new study suggests
- 4 Self-healing 'living skin' can make robots more humanlike — and it looks just as creepy as you'd expect
- 5 Tasselled wobbegong: The master of disguise that can eat a shark almost as big as itself
Orcas sink sailing yacht in Strait of Gibraltar
An unknown number of orcas have sunk a sailing yacht after ramming it in Moroccan waters in the Strait of Gibraltar, Spain’s maritime rescue service said on Monday, a new attack in what has become a trend in the past four years.
The vessel Alboran Cognac, which measured 15 metres (49 feet) in length and carried two people, encountered the highly social apex predators, also known as killer whales, at 9 a.m. local time (0700 GMT) on Sunday, the service said.
The passengers reported feeling sudden blows to the hull and rudder before water started seeping into the ship. After alerting the rescue services, a nearby oil tanker took them onboard and transported them to Gibraltar.
The yacht was left adrift and eventually sank.
The incident is the latest example of recurring orca rammings around the Gibraltar Strait that separates Europe from Africa and off the Atlantic coast of Portugal and northwestern Spain.
Experts believe them to involve a subpopulation of about 15 individuals given the designation “Gladis.”
According to the research group GTOA, which tracks populations of the Iberian orca sub-species, there have been nearly 700 interactions since orca attacks on ships in the region were first reported in May 2020.
Researchers are unsure about the causes for the behaviour, with leading theories including it being a playful manifestation of the mammals’ curiosity, a social fad or the intentional targeting of what they perceive as competitors for their favourite prey, the local bluefin tuna.
Although known as killer whales, endangered orcas are part of the dolphin family. They can measure up to eight metres and weigh up to six tonnes as adults.
Whale attacks boat off New Hampshire coast in shocking footage with sailors on board
Video footage shows a humpback whale colliding with a fishing boat off the coast of New Hampshire while two sailors were on board.
The attack was caught on camera off the coast of Portsmouth on Tuesday, and the sailors onboard managed to escape without any injuries.
In the video, the animal lowers its snout to the back of the small boat, causing the two people on board to fall into the water.
- Trump's claims that wind farms are driving whales 'crazy' fact-checked
- Extinct miniature whale from 41 million years ago named after King Tut
While orcas have attacked boats, humpbacks typically approach boats when curious rather than angry or feeling threatened.
According to WGME , the humpback is believed to be about two years old and was been spotted around the Maine and New Hampshire border over the last week.
If you can't see the video, click here
Click here to follow Daily Express US on Google News to stay up to date with all the latest US, showbiz, and sports news.
Humpback whales can reach 56 feet and weigh up to 40 tons. They primarily feed on krill and small fish.
Before a regulation whaling in 1985, all populations of humpback whales were greatly reduced, most by more than 95 percent, according to the US National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration.
- Donald Trump claims windmills are driving whales 'crazy' - and scientists react
- Massive endangered whale washes up dead on Oregon beach covered in 'wounds'
- Pod of killer whales seen trapped in thick sea ice finally escape to freedom
Footage shows the boat floating on the water on its side before submerging and flipping over.
Another video clip shows the boat being towed by a nearby fisherman who captured the scene.
No specific time for when the incident happened has surfaced.
Information regarding what prompted the humpback to attack is not immediately available.
According to the US NOAA, humpback whales, typically considered gentle, can experience stress and changes in behavior due to whale-watching vessels, recreational boats, and other vessels.
"We're hoping it leaves the area soon," Dianna Schulte of the Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation told WGME.
"There have been a lot of menhaden, which is a type of small bait fish, in the river recently. So likely, it was coming into the river just looking for some food," she added.
Get all the latest news, entertainment, sport and lifestyle updates from our dedicated American team.
Follow Daily Express US on Facebook and Twitter @ExpressUSNews
Visit our Popular Forums
- Monohull Sailboats
- Multihull Sailboats
- Powered Boats
- General Sailing
- Antares Yachts
- Fountaine Pajot
- Lagoon Catamarans
Cruising Business
- Boat Classifieds
- General Classifieds
- Crew Positions
- Commercial Posts
- Vendor Spotlight
Life Aboard a Boat
- Provisioning: Food & Drink
- Families, Kids, & Pets Afloat
- Recreation, Entertainment, & Fun
- Boat Ownership & Making a Living
- Liveaboard's Forum
Seamanship, Navigation & Boat Handling
- Seamanship & Boat Handling
- Training, Licensing, & Certification
- Health, Safety, & Related Gear
- Rules of the Road, Regulations, & Red Tape
Engineering & Systems
- Const. / Maint. / Refit
- Product / Service Reviews
- Electronics: Comms / AV
- Electrical: Batts / Gen / Solar
- Lithium Power Systems
- Engines & Propulsion
- Propellers & Drive Systems
- Plumbing / Fixtures
- Deck Hdw: Rigging / Sails
- Aux. Equipment & Dinghy
- Anchoring & Mooring
Photo Categories
- Member Galleries
- Life Onboard
- Sailing in the Wind
- Power Boats
- Cruising Destinations
- Maint. & Boat Building
- Marine Life
- Scuba Diving & Divers
- General Photos
Recent Photos
Listing Categories
- African Cats
- view more »
- Crew Wanted
- Crew Available
- Enhance Your Account
- Meet the Mods
- Meet the Advisors
- Signup for The Daily Cruiser Email
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
IMAGES
COMMENTS
In an interview with The Guardian, sailor Victoria Morris described one such attack where nine Orcas surrounded her 46-foot boat off Cape Trafalgar in Spain and rammed it continuously for an entire hour. "The noise was really scary," Morris said. "They were ramming the keel, there was this horrible echo, I thought they could capsize the boat.
I began noticing these unusual attacks in that area in 2020 and so have many others. One of the popular beliefs is that a calf was killed there by a fishing boat motor and that led to the initial attacks. You may notice that in the beginning the Otcas were mostly attacking the motors/rudders of boats.
From the third -. The Atlantic Orca Working Group has reported a 298% rise in orca boat interactions from 2020 to 2023, with more than 500 reported in total. In summary: There has been an increase in Orca attacks in recent years in a specific region and scientists can only speculate at this point as to the reason why.
For the past few years, orcas attacking boats have been making headlines, most recently off the coasts of Spain in the Atlantic Ocean. These incidents, involving a group of orcas known as the Iberian orcas, have been occurring since 2020. Once seen as gentle giants — partly because of "Free Willy" and SeaWorld — these striking black-and-white mammals are now the center of a curious debate.
A 2022 study has shed light on the reasons why orcas (killer whales) have been attacking boats in the Strait of Gibraltar, with researchers theorising that the incidents began after a vessel injured a female orca named White Gladis . Advertisement. Since the attacks began in 2020, three boats have been sunk and more than 250 damaged by a group ...
Scientists at the International Whaling Commission (IWC) have released a report on the recent rise in orcas ramming boats off the Iberian Peninsula. Since 2020, a small group of orca off the ...
Since 2020, Atlantic Orca Working Group (GTOA) reports there have been 673 "interactions" between the marine animals and watercraft since 2020, with at least four boats sinking. Just two weeks ago ...
According to a Live Science article, orcas have been known to attack boats that are towing objects, such as fishing nets or buoys. The orcas may see these objects as potential prey and attempt to take them down. In other cases, the orcas may attack boats that are carrying live game, such as fish or seals.
Here's how it works . Orcas that have been bumping boats in Iberian waters for four years are likely just bored teenagers with too much time on their flippers, experts say. A report published ...
An unknown number of orcas have sunk a sailing yacht after ramming it in Moroccan waters in the Strait of Gibraltar, Spain's maritime rescue service said on Monday, a new attack in what has ...
Earlier this year killer whales were behind series of disturbing attacks on boats in European seas. Since 2020, 673 boats were rammed by orcas off the coast of Europe's Iberian Peninsula. ...
An attack on a strap-toothed whale. Orcas (or killer whales) are large, powerful aquatic apex predators.There have been incidents where orcas were perceived to attack humans in the wild, but such attacks are less common than those by captive orcas. In captivity, there have been several non-fatal and four fatal attacks on humans since the 1970s. Experts are divided as to whether the injuries ...
they dont like plastic boats, in canada they have found that playing celine dion at full volume ensures an orca free, 3 mile exclusion zone around any boat. Home. Forums. New posts Search forums. ... (Twitter) Reddit Pinterest Tumblr WhatsApp Email Share Link. Latest posts. Suggestions for best 32-34 feet racing/cruising sailboat.
Video footage shows a humpback whale colliding with a fishing boat off the coast of New Hampshire while two sailors were on board. The attack was caught on camera off the coast of Portsmouth on ...
Orcas attack boats off coast of Spain and Portugal, leaving scientists stumped In recent years, orcas have been damaging the rudders of pleasure yachts, mostly along the coasts of Portugal and Spain. Still, two boats were reportedly sunk by orcas off the coast of Portugal last month, in the worst such encounter since authorities have tracked ...
Many of you have sent us this video asking if it has been recorded in Spain. Although we have seen some videos of killer whales attacking boats near...
Valerie K (@valtitude). 1 Reply. But have you seen Orcas attacking yachts? It's real.
Please support our sponsors and let them know you heard about their products on Cruisers Forums. Advertise Here
Whale slams boat, sending two fishermen into water off Odiorne Point in Rye. Brothers Wyatt Yager, 19, and Colin Yager, 16, were the rescuers.
Video shows the moment a whale breaches onto a boat in Portsmouth Harbor, nearly sinking the vessel. Ad Feedback. Science. Space ...
A whale rose out of the water off Portsmouth, New Hampshire and smashed a boat. Teens nearby caught it on video. WBZ-TV's Breana Pitts reports.
Watch: Whale of New Hampshire slams into fishing boat, hurling men into the Atlantic The men were thrown into the sea off Odiorne Point in Rye, New Hampshire after the humpback slammed into them. Lucky for them, two teenagers were there to help.
Ship captain attacked by orcas again says they developed their strategy. A sailor who has been ambushed twice by the same pod of orcas says the killer whales are refining their strategy. This comes amid a concerning rise in orca attacks on boats along the Strait of Gibraltar, which separates Europe from Africa.
The Piuma 600: the first open boat from Corsican shipyard Fanale Marine 4 article Boatindustry.com Nice Boating Tomorow: a new show dedicated to sustainable boating in Nice in 2025 Sailonet, NKE, Studio Endemique, Bénéteau Human Resources : They're changing jobs in the boating industry - July 12, 2024
ROCKVILLE, MD—Calling the Frosted Flakes cereal mascot the most constant and supportive force in his life, local man Dylan Harney told reporters Tuesday that Tony the Tiger remained the closest thing he had to a father figure. "Every morning growing up, I'd wake up and be greeted by that strong but caring cartoon…
Watch: Whale of New Hampshire slams into fishing boat, hurling men into the Atlantic The men were thrown into the sea off Odiorne Point in Rye, New Hampshire after the humpback slammed into them.
The 80s was a rough decade for everyone, fashion-wise. This is one of the depressing things I look at. There was actually a study done of fish around the sewer that was sent to rivers and the ocean. The fish are getting high off of the drugs in the water and are engaging in more risky life-threatening Behavior.
A breaching whale crashed into a boat off the coast of New Hampshire, capsizing the vessel and sending two mariners into the water.. The incident was captured on video on Tuesday near Portsmouth ...
A scene of a whale rising from the water, landing on a small boat and capsizing it off the coast of New Hampshire was captured on video from a nearby boat. According to WMUR TV in New Hampshire ...
Killer whales severely damaged a sailing boat off the coast of southern Spain, the local maritime rescue service said on Thursday, adding to dozens of orca attacks on vessels recorded so far this year on Spanish and Portuguese coasts. These orcas know what they are doing. Somebody has pissed them off