Luxury yacht sinks off coast of Morocco after killer whale attack
Killer whales attacked a luxury yacht off the coast of Morocco for almost an hour before the boat eventually sank
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Killer whales attacked a luxury yacht off the coast of Morocco for almost an hour before the boat eventually sank.
It follows a number of similar offensives in seas off Gibraltar, Spain and Portugal this year.
Polish touring company Morskie Mile said a pod of orcas struck the Grazie Mamma II in the Strait of Gibraltar on October 31.
The orcas - which can grow up to 30 feet long - "caused major damage" after attacking the boat’s steering fin for "45 minutes".
Polish touring company Morskie Mile said a pod of orcas struck the Grazie Mamma II in the Strait of Gibraltar on October 31
On social media, the company said: Despite attempts to bring the yacht to the port by the captain, crew and rescuers from the [search and rescue], port tugs and the Moroccan Navy, the unit sunk near the entrance to the port of Tanger Med.
"The crew is safe, unharmed and sound already in Spain."
Orcas - also known as killer whales - are apex predators which can kill and eat blue whales.
The mammal, which is the largest of the dolphin family, rarely attacks humans but this year has rammed in multiple vessels and caused several to sink, according to the Atlantic Orca Working Group tracker.
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Scientists have said while it is not uncommon for orcas to follow and nudge boats, ramming into boats is unusual.
For many years, experts say the whales were endangered and spent their days chasing tuna which caused chaos for local fishmongers.
However, researchers claim in 2020 the whales began showing "disruptive" behaviour, such as striking and turning rudders.
Scientists fear that the incidents could injure the orcas and damage their already dwindling numbers.
Scientists have said while it is not uncommon for orcas to follow and nudge boats, ramming into boats is unusual
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Many experts believe the change in behaviour is likely due to past trauma from earlier scuffles with boats, being transfixed by the propellers or just being bored.
Despite the threat of orcas, Morskie Mile believe it won’t discourage seafarers.
The company said: "We sailed on this yacht around the most beautiful places in Europe and the Atlantic archipelagos.
"Love of the sea always wins."