Experts have investigated a string of non-deadly killer whale attacks that have occurred in Spain and Portugal over the last few months. There have been multiple reports of sailors being rammed by orcas or being chased by sea animals, and even a number of reports of mammals sinking ships during the last three years.
The Mirror reports that April Boyes, a British sailor, recalled how a boat trip turned into a nightmare after orcas continuously rammed into the vessel for over an hour. On This Morning, the sailor with five years of experience described the orcas' movements as "a bit of a headbutt". She noted that they weren't worried until water began gushing in.
However, according to marine biologist Renaud de Stephanis, the orcas were likely pursuing a "massive adrenaline rush", adding that it was "just a game for them." You can get more story updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletters here.
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Another attacked happened on Tuesday, June 27, where a pod of killer whales reportedly rammed into a boat carrying two people in the Strait of Gibraltar. The pair, Janet Morris and Stephen Bidwell, from Cambridge, ended up having to be rescued by the Spanish coastguard.
The marine biologist added: "It might feel like an attack to us humans but, without wanting to be too dismissive, a furious attack by this animal could have much worse consequences for a boat and for whoever is on board than a mere feeling of fear for a few minutes."
Lori Marino, president of the Whale Sanctuary Project, agreed with Renaud, claiming that orcas never harmed humans. She told the BBC: "There has never been a case of an orca harming a human being in the wild. If they really wanted to do damage and harm the people on the boat they could easily do that." She explained that the attacks probably started out by one or two whales who were playing, adding "it's a case of copycat killer whales rather than aggression."
She said orcas were "extremely intelligent beings" and as they had been proven to be social learners, once one orca started bumping into boats, they were all "gonna keep doing it".
Researchers claimed they had identified one juvenile orca in the Strait of Gibraltar, which they believed might be the one behind the behaviour. Renaud claimed it had been drawing in younger orcas which copied its actions.
