Orca pod capsizes vessel near Lisbon shores - Time for a larger watercraft!
In a shocking turn of events, two yachts suffered severe damage after being attacked by a pod of killer whales off the coast of Portugal. The incident, which occurred approximately five nautical miles south of Lisbon's Fonte da Telha beach, has raised concerns about the growing threat posed by these marine predators in the region's waters.
The first yacht, belonging to a Lisbon-based sailing club, the Nautic Squad, sank off the coast near Costa da Caparica on September 13, around 12.30pm local time. According to Portuguese maritime authorities and eyewitness accounts, the sinking was caused by repeated ramming by the orcas. The yacht slowly sank due to water entering the boat, a process that took more than an hour.
A nearby dolphin-watching tour skipper, Filipe, witnessed the attack and attempted to help refloat the boat but was unable to due to the extent of the damage. Another vessel attempting to help the crew was also damaged in a separate incident nearby.
The rudder of the second sailboat was shattered, making it unsteerable, but the boat remained afloat. Lifeguards from the Cascais station and the Lisbon Harbour Master's Office were mobilised immediately to ensure the safety of those aboard and to provide any necessary medical assistance. Fortunately, the crew members of the second sailboat were physically well and uninjured.
The causes of killer whale attacks on yachts are not definitively known, but several theories exist. Some researchers suggest that intensified military sonar activity in the region might be a contributing factor. High-intensity sonar, used for anti-submarine warfare, is known to cause hearing damage, disorientation, and behavioral changes in cetaceans like orcas.
Marine biologists speculate that the behavior could be due to a mix of factors, including playful social learning, curiosity, or responses to environmental stressors. The incidents are part of a rising trend of orca encounters in Iberian waters since 2020, with over 700 documented cases. Recent similar events, such as attacks off the coast of Galicia, Spain, and the capsizing of the Bonhomme William in the Strait of Gibraltar, support this pattern.
The events were captured on video and widely shared across Portuguese social media, highlighting the persistent and growing threat posed by killer whales in the region's waters. As the marine ecosystem continues to face challenges, it is crucial to understand and address the factors contributing to these attacks to ensure the safety of both humans and marine life.
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