Sailors in the Strait of Gibraltar faced an unexpected threat as aggressive killer whales swarmed around their vessels. New footage circulating online shows a crew near Tarifa dealing with these unexpected incursions, drawing immediate attention from animal welfare groups and maritime observers alike.
A video posted on social media on 20 August captured sailors firing warning shots at a pod of killer whales near Tarifa. The clip sparked widespread discussion about the behavior of apex marine predators and the safety of ships operating in busy straits watched by many on both sides of the Atlantic.
Observers note that incidents involving marine life interacting unusually with ships have increased since May 2020, with numerous reports across Spain and Portugal. In several cases, these encounters have led to damage and even the sinking of some vessels after close contact with the animals.
One captain described the scene: two smaller killer whales accompanied by a larger, faster adult. He said the juveniles appeared to steer the vessel while the adult struck the hull from the side, contributing to the loss of his yacht on May 4. This account highlights the unpredictable dynamics that can unfold when large predators come into contact with human crews at sea.
Scientists are still investigating the roots of this rising aggression toward watercraft. In response, Spanish authorities have launched a program to tag local killer whales with GPS beacons. The aim is to monitor movements more closely and reduce risky encounters by improving awareness for captains and crews navigating the region.
Earlier footage from Portugal showed a similar encounter in which a sailor’s yacht lost its steering wheel during a close encounter with a killer whale, underscoring the potential for rapid, equipment-damaging interactions. [citation: Marine Mammal Research Institute, 2020–2024].