Crew unharmed: Another ship damaged by orcas off Spain

The crew is unharmed
Another ship damaged by orcas off Spain

07/21/2023, 8:18 pm

Again, a ship was damaged by orcas in the Mediterranean. An encounter with three or four animals affects the “Capote III”, which is on its way to the Mallorca regatta “Copa del Rey”, and has to be towed.

Another participant in the Mallorca sailing regatta “Copa del Rey” was attacked by orcas. Race organizers announced that the yacht “Capote III” was in the Mediterranean on its way to the holiday island when it was struck near the Spanish coastal town of Estepona on Thursday evening. It is reported that the crew was not injured.

Reports of orca attacks off the coasts of Spain and Portugal have been piling up for months. According to the records of the “GT Orca Atlantica” (GTOA) organization, they occur mainly in the Strait of Gibraltar. The boat “Corsario” was heavily damaged in the attack on July 11. Like the “Capote III,” the “Corsario” was en route to Mallorca.Copa del Rey“, “King’s Cup”. King Philip VI of Spain usually participates in the tournament.

The animals, also known as killer whales, tore off part of the rudder while attacking the Cabot III. The boat was unable to maneuver and was towed by the Spanish Sea Rescue Service. Team member Sandy Villagran said the attack by “three or four” mammals lasted five to ten minutes. “But we were all so nervous that no one knew for sure. Everyone was saying something different.”

Although “attacks” by orcas are often talked about, scientists prefer to talk about “interactions” because the exact cause of these incidents is still unknown. Some, like Renaud de Stephanis, head of the ecosystem, believe that orcas want to play. Meanwhile, GTOA biologist Alfredo Lopez said it could also be a response to a negative experience on a ship or boat. But it’s also possible that killer whales, the most intelligent of the dolphin family, “invented something new.”