The mysterious spate of orca attacks on boats off the Spanish coast has reached a new high, with the Ocean Race’s Team JAJO yacht repeatedly rammed.
The heart-stopping assault by the orca pod went on for heart-stopping minutes near the Strait of Gibraltar entrance to the Mediterranean.
Video footage shows the orcas, also known as killer whales, circling the Dutch yacht, before accelerating towards it, ramming into it, and biting the rudders, while the crew bangs on the hull in an attempt to drive them off.
Orca attacks have been increasing over recent years, although nobody has yet come up with an explanation.
“This was a scary moment,” Team JAJO skipper Jelmer van Beek said.
“Three orcas came straight at us and started hitting the rudders.
“Impressive to see the orcas, beautiful animals, but also a dangerous moment for us as a team.
“We took down the sails and slowed down the boat as quickly as possible and luckily after a few attacks they went away.”
The Mirpuri/Trifork Racing team of Portugal also reported a run-in with orcas, organisers said, adding that there were no injuries or damage to either boat.
Authorities have noted a steady increase in interactions between orcas and vessels in the Strait of Gibraltar and Portugal, with more than 20 incidents in May alone.
In some cases, boats have been significantly damaged, at least three to the point of sinking, organisers said, and the behaviour appears to be spreading among different killer whale family groups.
-AAP
