NewsKiller whales rampage: Sinking yachts in Mediterranean mystery

Killer whales rampage: Sinking yachts in Mediterranean mystery

Unfortunately, a 49-foot yacht sank in the Strait of Gibraltar. Thankfully, all passengers remained unharmed. This incident adds to a growing series of similar events, prompting scientists to investigate further. They've identified a group of about 15 killer whales in the Mediterranean Sea believed to be behind these attacks.

Orcas sank a 15-meter yacht in the Gibraltar Strait area.
Orcas sank a 15-meter yacht in the Gibraltar Strait area.
Images source: © Pixabay

Killer whales are among the most sociable marine mammals. They form groups of 5 to 40 individuals and are typically led by the oldest and most experienced female. However, there has been an alarming increase in incidents of these creatures attacking vessels such as yachts or catamarans.

The Spanish maritime rescue service reported that killer whales sank the yacht after they rammed into it in Moroccan waters in the Strait of Gibraltar. The exact number of killer whales involved in this attack remains unclear.

Yacht sinking in the Strait of Gibraltar region

Reuters stated that the yacht, "Alboran Cognac," measured 49 feet long. At the time of the attack, two people were on board. This unfortunate event took place on a Sunday morning.

Those aboard the yacht recounted feeling violent impacts against the hull and rudder before water began flooding in. They immediately called for rescue services, and a nearby tanker responded, offering them safe transport. Despite rescue efforts, the yacht ended up sinking.

Killer whales on the attack, with scientists searching for answers

This was not an isolated incident in the Strait of Gibraltar region. Researchers estimate that the Iberian killer whales involved consist of approximately 15 individuals. According to research group GTOA, which monitors the Iberian killer whale population, there have been up to 700 incidents since May 2020.

Scientists are investigating potential reasons behind these attacks. It's theorized that they might be driven by curiosity or a desire to remove competition, seeing yachts or catamarans as rivals for food sources.

Related content

© essanews.com
·

Downloading, reproduction, storage, or any other use of content available on this website—regardless of its nature and form of expression (in particular, but not limited to verbal, verbal-musical, musical, audiovisual, audio, textual, graphic, and the data and information contained therein, databases and the data contained therein) and its form (e.g., literary, journalistic, scientific, cartographic, computer programs, visual arts, photographic)—requires prior and explicit consent from Wirtualna Polska Media Spółka Akcyjna, headquartered in Warsaw, the owner of this website, regardless of the method of exploration and the technique used (manual or automated, including the use of machine learning or artificial intelligence programs). The above restriction does not apply solely to facilitate their search by internet search engines and uses within contractual relations or permitted use as specified by applicable law.Detailed information regarding this notice can be found  here.