A boat was captured sinking in shocking video footage after encountering a group of orcas off the coast of Portugal. The incident occurred on September 13 and led to the yacht’s submersion, prompting the rescue of all five individuals on board by nearby tourist boats and Lisbon Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Centre lifeguards.
The sailboat, belonging to the Nautic Squad Club, was repeatedly struck by the orcas, causing it to list and eventually take on water before sinking. Another yacht in the same area was also reportedly targeted by the pod of orcas, resulting in damage but no sinking. All occupants of the second vessel were safely rescued as well.
The Portuguese coastal authorities were alerted to the sinking yacht around 12:30 pm, prompting immediate dispatch of rescue teams. While some observers and experts believe the orcas’ actions were driven by curiosity or playfulness rather than aggression, the force of the strikes caused significant damage to the vessels.
The incidents have raised concerns among local sailors and boating groups, who are advocating for clearer guidelines, warning systems, and protective measures for yacht owners in regions with known orca activity. Marine biologists are closely monitoring the interactions to gain insights into the behavior and prevent future incidents.
Despite their “killer whale” moniker, wild orcas have not caused any recorded human fatalities. Captive orcas have been involved in fatal incidents, with the most infamous being Tilikum from SeaWorld. The nickname “killer whale” originated from ancient sailors observing orcas hunting larger whales. While orcas are unlikely to harm humans, they can pose a threat to vessels.
The first documented orca-boat interaction was in May 2020, and there have been over 750 similar encounters since then. Experts suggest that orcas engage in such behavior out of playfulness, boredom, or imitation within specific subpopulations. Individual orcas may initiate this behavior following traumatic events like collisions with boats or nets.
While the orcas’ actions may seem aggressive, they are not considered acts of aggression towards humans. Other theories behind the behavior include territoriality and frustration due to boat noise disrupting their communication.