Orcas attacked three yachts in a week: how experts protect people and marine predators.

Dangerous Orca Attacks in Portugal

According to The Sun: After a series of orca attacks off the coast of Portugal, a special team focused on orca rescue has set out to stop the violence at sea.

Over the past week, orcas struck three yachts, and experts are currently developing a plan of action to ensure safety for both majestic orcas and humans.

Alamy

Among recent incidents, five sailors were rescued from a sinking yacht in Portugal after the crew sent a panicked SOS call reporting orca attacks.

Forty-eight hours later, a third vessel experienced new 'consecutive collisions' believed to have been caused by the same group of orcas near Lisbon.

Orca Leader

Bernardo Queiroz, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Oceanic Lounge, noted that the attacks are coordinated by the oldest female of the group named Toni.

“We know the names of every orca, and each has its own personality. Toni is the oldest orca in this region, passing knowledge to others.”

Since the onset of reports of attacks in these waters, the situation has become significantly more dangerous.

Efforts to Protect Orcas

Orcas, now considered aggressive due to numerous attacks, need protection. Rui Alves’ project, the orca tracker, includes creating a site that tracks all known orca sightings and attacks on boats.

Experts are trying to map sightings and warn boat owners about dangerous areas.

Louis Wood

Are the Attacks Violent?

Many people, reviewing videos of orca attacks, believe these attacks are hostile.

“Orcas do not act aggressively when they crash into boats. They are just playing with the rudders.”

Experts advise sailors to be cautious and avoid areas where orcas may appear to prevent conflicts.

One piece of advice is to quickly move to shallow water if an orca has been spotted nearby.

“It is important that sailors are not afraid to go to sea when orcas are around, but to be especially careful.”

“We must protect both sailors and orcas. It’s not just one side.”

Rui Alvesorca tracker

How to Stay Safe

Experts recommend following a few simple rules to increase safety while boating in waters that may have orcas:

• Always check the depth.
• Avoid boating at night.
• Follow websites that track orcas and avoid areas where they have been spotted.

I joined the orca team searching for famous orcas

Journalist Alki Krateru joined the orca team searching for the orca White Gladys and her pod in the waters near Gibraltar.

The Sea Shepherd France team focused on documenting orca interactions with vessels and preventing retaliations from sailors.

One incident captured a group of orcas smashing boats.

Louis Wood In light of recent events, it is important to understand that orcas are not just aggressive mammals but part of an ecosystem that needs protection. Although attacks on boats are alarming, experts urge to avoid panic and take precautionary measures for the safety of both people and these remarkable creatures. Ongoing work is underway on projects aimed at ensuring safety not only for seafarers but also for orcas in the region.