A Polish yacht traveling through the Strait of Gibraltar was sunk in a shocking 45-minute attack by a pod of killer whales, also known as orcas. The incident occurred in October 2023, near the port of Tangier Med in Morocco. Despite efforts by the yacht crew, port tugboats, and even the Moroccan Navy, the vessel was irreparably damaged and sank before it could be brought to safety. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the crew was safely transported to Spain.
The yacht operators, Morskie Mile, shared a heartfelt statement on Facebook, describing the loss as more than just a vessel. For them, the yacht represented countless memories of friendships, training, and adventures across Europe and the Atlantic. They reflected on the love for the sea and the enduring bonds formed aboard the yacht, vowing to continue their sailing endeavors with other vessels.
Marine experts have proposed that the orcas may have been practicing hunting behaviors, as such targeted attacks are rare in the wild. While killer whales are highly intelligent and capable of coordinated actions, they have never been known to kill humans in their natural habitat, though a few fatalities have occurred in captivity.
The incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of nature and the impressive, albeit intimidating, capabilities of orcas. The sinking of the yacht has sparked broader discussions about the behavior of these majestic marine mammals and their interactions with human activities at sea.
