Boaters near the Iberian Peninsula have found themselves increasingly fearful of their time on the water, thanks to an alarming uptick of orca attacks on vessels. Since 2020, hundreds of orcas have taken to ramming yachts, catamarans, and other ships, raising questions about what is driving this unusual behavior. Anyone passing through the Strait of Gibraltar might think they’re safe, but maritime encounters with these powerful dolphins have drawn the attention of the scientific community.
According to reports, over 700 incidents of orca interactions have occurred, leading to several ships sinking and numerous injuries among unwitting sailors. Thankfully, no fatalities have been recorded, but the sheer impact of such experiences has altered the lives of many who take to the sea for sport or livelihood. Fishermen like Manuel Merianda have voiced their concerns about the newfound risks involved with fishing, noting, "Of course they can sink you. They break your rudder and water and waves begin to enter your boat, and once the water enters there is nothing you can do."
This growing number of incidents has not gone unnoticed by local authorities, who have begun to caution boaters to stay close to the coastline during summer months when orca interactions tend to surge. It appears our perception of these magnificent animals has shifted dramatically; once thought to be gentle giants of the sea, orcas are now perceived as officials warning of dangerous encounters.
Initially, scientists linked this surge of orca incidents to one specific orca known as “White Gladis.” After being injured by a ship, it seemed she had taught her pod to target boats, particularly focusing on their rudders. But experts are now considering additional theories, bringing to light the intriguing complexity of marine behavior.
Research conducted by the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute has shed another layer of light on this convergence of orcas and ships. Their study, recently released to Ocean and Coastal Management, posits a link between the restoration of the Atlantic bluefin tuna population and orca behavior. Thriving bluefin tuna, previously dwindling, have been booming lately, which might explain why orcas have turned their attention toward boats.
Bruno Diaz Lopez, chief biologist at the institute, elaborated on their findings, explaining, “They need to ram, they need to hit, they need to bite to isolate this large tuna. And then this has to be done cooperatively. So how do they reinforce this technique? Practicing.” By simulating these attacks, it allows younger orcas to train effectively through play.
But even as scientists seek to unravel the puzzle behind these maritime confrontations, they face the challenge of offering solutions to prevent these encounters altogether. Various attempts—including throwing sand on the surface, using colorful boat paint, or even blasting heavy metal music, which might sound like something out of the movies—have largely proven ineffective. It seems our best efforts to draw the line between humans and orcas simply haven’t panned out as anticipated.
Take the summer days when the orca encounters are at their highest. Those summer months showcase the orcas embracing their playful side, but not everyone is convinced this means trouble. Janek Andre, from WeWhale, believes the orcas are merely interacting, not attacking. “Attacking implies something aggressive toward humans,” he explains. “These orcas are simply playing. We call it — and everybody should call it — interaction.”
This divergence of opinions leaves many befuddled: are we facing aggressive orcas, or friendly playmates? Some biologists suggest this is merely the animals’ way of learning and reinforcing hunting skills. Yet, others contend there is more at play, proposing theories of “retaliation” for past human-caused injuries to their kin. Could the orcas be responding to damage inflicted upon their population over the years?
Another perspective suggests the recent trend of targeting boats could be influenced by curious learning behavior among orcas, likened to the trendy behaviors adopted by adolescents on social media.
The Iberian orca population itself is facing threats as well; they are on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s “Red List” of critically endangered species. Currently, it’s believed only about 35 remain, raising concerns about their future. The reality is, as their habitat shrinks, the boundaries of human presence and orca habitat become more intertwined and fraught with uncertainty.
Whether boat ramming constitutes playful behavior, training for hunting large prey, or retaliatory actions, the consequences for sailors remain tangible and pressing. Fishermen and recreational boaters alike are at the mercy of these ocean giants, causing the maritime community to question their very safety and rights within the watery world inhabited by orcas. Meanwhile, the search for answers continues; orca interactions remain enigmas many experts are eager to explore, as they find themselves increasingly entwined with orca populations.
The delicate balance between human activity and marine wildlife continues to shift. While we may not have all the answers, it’s clear our relationship with the ocean’s most powerful predators is changing. How this drama will play out remains uncertain, but it’s certainly one of the most thrilling tales the ocean has to tell.
