An expert has revealed the real reason why orcas are attacking boats and other sea animals in various viral videos.
There have even been a number of reports spanning over three years of the mammals sinking ships. Shedding light on the strange incidents is marine biologist Renaud de Stephanis who says the mammals were most likely pursuing "a massive adrenaline rush", reports The Mirror.
It comes a week after a boat was rammed by a killer whale off the Scottish coast in what is believed to be the first attack in UK waters. The boat had just set sail from Lerwick when an orca slammed into the stern and circled the boat before backing off.
Dr Wim Rutten, 72, who was in charge of the vessel, said: "What I felt most frightening was the very loud breathing of the animal."
Videos of the killer whales attacking boats and chasing sea animals have gone viral on social media, with people guessing that the whales are having fun or trying to intimidate at sea.
British sailor April Boyes spoke earlier this month about how orcas continuously rammed into her boat for over an hour. April appeared on This Morning described the animals' movements as "a bit of a headbutt", adding that they weren't worried at first - until water gushed into the boat.
Why are the creatures going after boats? Marine biologist Renaud dismissed any ideas of intimidation, noting that it was "just a game for them".
He told Spanish newspaper El Mundo: "If two or three killer whales really attacked a yacht, they would sink it in a matter of seconds."
On Monday, a pod of killer whales were reported to have rammed into a boat that was carrying two people in the Strait of Gibraltar.
The incident escalated, and the pair ended up having to be rescued by the Spanish coast guard.
Renaud continued: "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."
Another whale expert has chimed in on the conversation and agreed with the marine biologist, saying orcas would never harm a human.
Lori Marino, president of the Whale Sanctuary Project 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 these apparent attacks most likely were started by one or two whales, who were playing. She noted that "it's a case of copycat killer whales rather than aggression."
Lori added that killer whales are "extremely intelligent beings", and it has been proven that they are also social learners - so once one orca began ramming into boats, then they would all "keep doing it".
Researchers have identified one juvenile orca in the Strait of Gibraltar that may be a key driver of the behaviour. Renaud said that this killer whale had been drawing in other orcas who have been mimicking its actions.
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