Evidence of unusual orca activity has drawn attention to the Strait of Gibraltar and the Galician coast, where harassment of small and medium sailboats appears to be increasing. In recent years, these intelligent marine predators have intermittently targeted sailing vessels, sometimes ramming rudders and helm areas. There have been alarming reports of boats taking on water after collisions, with at least three incidents linked to sinking since 2020. The most recent event occurred near Barbate in Cadiz during May. Notably, observers note that the orcas seem to be demonstrating techniques to their calves, suggesting a learning or teaching dynamic within the pod.
Three instances have been documented in the Bosphorus where a sailboat encountered heavy helm impacts at night. A 15-meter vessel reportedly endured repeated helm collisions as a crew member noted the distressing pattern. Witnesses described two smaller orcas and one larger individual performing synchronized actions, while the larger animal struck from the side with considerable force, contributing to loss of control aboard the yacht.
As the situation escalated, the vessel required assistance from Barbate Marine Rescue. A lifeboat maneuvered the craft to the port entrance, where it eventually sank after the tow. One captain said the young orcas mimicked the elder one, with the younger animals nudging the hull to replicate the attack sequence.
Two days ago another sailboat was struck
Two days later a flock of six individuals from the same group targeted another sailing boat moving through the Bosphorus. A crew member described the mother orca seemingly instructing her calf in the same ramming technique. The crew regarded the behavior as a teaching exercise, reported by multiple outlets that cover maritime incidents.
International media outlets have echoed the Bosphorus attacks that have persisted for nearly three years. Experts are still working to understand the driving forces behind this pattern, which has raised questions about how wild orcas adapt to human activity and contact at sea.
Reports of such behavior began in May 2020 and have grown more frequent, according to a study published by researchers in June of the previous year. The analysis, conducted in collaboration with marine science teams, outlines a consistent pattern: orcas approach from the stern to strike the helm and withdraw after temporarily disabling a vessel. The work emphasizes that most interactions with sailing boats are non‑harmful, with only a small minority resulting in severe outcomes.
Biologists explain that repeated encounters can influence group dynamics. In the study, researchers note that many interactions are noninjurious, yet a handful of incidents have resulted in sunk ships. The prevailing hypothesis is that traumatic experiences may trigger shifts in behavior within a pod, which other members could imitate over time.
The research team stresses that the exact motivations behind these actions remain unclear. One leading scientist cautions that defensive responses tied to prior trauma might be shaping current conduct among the orca population as a whole. It is possible that certain individuals, possibly females, carry memories of earlier events that alter how the group responds to boats and nets encountered at sea.
Further investigations continue as scientists monitor the pattern of interactions across different regions. While some encounters appear harmless, others raise safety concerns for mariners. More data will help determine whether this behavior reflects a localized adaptation or a broader change in foraging or social learning strategies among these orcas.
– End of report