Boat Sunk by Orcas in the Strait of Gibraltar

Which boat has been sunk by [[orcas::Also called killer whale. It is a toothed whale and is black and white in colour. They are also very intelligent.]]?

Recently, a [[pod::A group of orcas is known as a pod.]] of orcas sank a sailing [[yacht::A sailing boat that sometimes has an engine and a sleeping area. They are used for pleasure trips or racing.]] in the [[Strait of Gibraltar::A narrow strait or passage of water that connects the Mediterranean Sea with the Atlantic Ocean. It is located between the southern tip of Spain and the northwestern tip of Africa.]] near the coast of Morocco. This is the fourth boat the orcas have sunk in the same area in the past two years.

The orcas kept hitting the [[rudder::A piece of wood or metal attached to the back of a boat to control its direction]] of the boat called Grazie Mamma II, causing it to get damaged and filled with water.

The [[crew::A group of people who work together.]] tried to save the boat, but it still sank. Thankfully, nobody got hurt. Researchers and sailors are confused about why the orcas are doing this. Since 2020, the orcas have been bumping into boats in the same area.

A study says the orcas have encountered fishing boats and motorboats in the area, but sailboats appear to be the most popular target.

What are the orcas doing to the boats?

Usually, the orcas quickly approach the [[stern::A ship or boat’s back part.]] of the boat. Then, they bite or break the rudder with their teeth. Sometimes, they also push their heads and bodies against sailboats, which can make holes in the boat. But, sometimes, they cause no damage to the boats.

Why are the orcas doing this?

There are online [[rumours::Some information that people discuss which may or may not be true.]] that an orca named White Gladis is behind the recent boat incidents. Some people think she got hurt by a boat and now wants [[revenge::To make someone suffer because they had made you suffer before.]]. But this seems to be a wild story.

There are old injuries on her fin, but nobody is sure how she got hurt. Most scientists agree that there's no proof she's training other orcas to attack boats.

Scientists aren't even sure if White Gladis was involved in the recent incidents.

Some experts think the orcas are just having fun or trying to scratch their backs. Another idea is that the orcas like how the boat's rudder feels. But there’s no clear answer for why these incidents are happening.

Can this behaviour spread among other orcas?

Scientists believe the orcas' strange behaviour in the area might have started with just one whale. Orcas are clever creatures who can learn things from their friends.

So this behaviour could have spread within their group. But it doesn't mean they are teaching each other to attack boats.

These orcas usually stay with their own group and don't hang out with other orcas. So, this behaviour might not affect other orca whales.

Quick Revision

• Orcas sank a boat called Grazie Mamma II near Morocco — no one was hurt.

• They bite and hit the rudder, making boats sink.

• Some blame White Gladis, but scientists say no proof.

• Orcas might just be playing or curious.

• The habit may have spread in one group, not all orcas.

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