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Strait Of Gibraltar

All articles tagged with #strait of gibraltar

environment2 years ago•5 min saved

Orcas' Destructive Attacks on Boats: 6 Attempts to Prevent Disaster

Orcas in the Strait of Gibraltar have been damaging and sinking boats, leading sailors to try various methods to prevent these interactions. Some techniques include playing dead, driving away fast, creating a sandstorm, reversing the boat, making noise, and even dumping liquids like urine into the water. However, the effectiveness of these methods varies, and some may be distressing or harmful to the marine mammals. Scientists and organizations studying this pod of orcas are working to find safe and effective deterrents to protect both boats and the orcas themselves.

via Business Insider|

#boat-damage #conservation #environment

marine-wildlife2 years ago•2 min saved

Orcas Continue to Sink Sailboats, Raising Concerns for Sailors

A pod of orcas in southwestern Europe has sunk a sailing boat, marking the fourth incident in two years where orcas are blamed for sinking ships in the region. The attack occurred off the coast of Morocco in the Strait of Gibraltar, with the yacht's rudder sustaining major damage from repeated hits by the orcas. No human injuries or deaths have been reported in these incidents, but the behavior of the orcas remains a mystery. Experts believe the orcas may be engaging in "play" or have negative experiences with boats, but emphasize that there is typically no threat to humans in boats from these marine predators.

via USA TODAY|

#boat-attacks #killer-whales #marine-wildlife

environment2 years ago•2 min saved

Orcas Continue to Sink Boats in the Strait of Gibraltar

A pod of orcas attacked and sank a yacht in the Strait of Gibraltar, causing major damage and leakage. The crew was rescued, but the vessel was lost. This incident is part of a series of recent "attacks" by orcas in the region, with about 500 encounters between orcas and boats reported since 2020. The cause of this behavior is still unclear, with theories ranging from playful behavior to frustration with sailboats without engines or possible revenge due to previous traumatic encounters with fishing boats. Researchers caution against projecting narratives onto these animals and emphasize the need for further evidence to understand their motivations.

via NPR|

#environment #marine-wildlife #orcas

environment2 years ago•2 min saved

Orcas Strike Again: Yacht Sunk in 45-Minute Attack

A pod of orcas has sunk a Polish yacht in the Strait of Gibraltar, continuing a series of incidents where the marine mammals have damaged boats in the region. The crew of the yacht was unharmed, but the vessel sank near the Moroccan port of Tanger Med. While the motives behind the orcas' behavior remain unclear, scientists caution against labeling it as "attacks" and urge the public to avoid projecting narratives onto the animals. Orcas are highly intelligent marine mammals that learn from one another, and their normal behavior does not involve harming humans. The orca population off the coasts of Spain, Portugal, and Morocco is critically endangered.

via The Washington Post|

#boat-sinking #endangered-species #environment

world2 years ago•3 min saved

Polish tour company witnesses terrifying 45-minute killer whale attack, resulting in yacht sinking

A yacht operated by Polish tour company Morskie Mile was sunk by a pod of killer whales during a 45-minute attack in the Strait of Gibraltar. The incident, which caused irreparable damage to the vessel, is part of a growing trend of reported orca attacks on boats off the coast of Spain and Portugal. The reasons behind these attacks remain unknown, and experts describe the phenomenon as a total mystery.

via CBS News|

#killer-whales #poland #spain

maritimeanimal-behavior2 years ago•1 min saved

Orca Pack Capsizes Polish Yacht in Strait of Gibraltar

A Polish yacht named the Grazie Mamma II was attacked and ultimately sunk by a pack of orcas in the Strait of Gibraltar. The crew members were safely evacuated, but the vessel suffered major damage and a leak. Since 2020, there have been over 500 interactions between orcas and boats in the area, resulting in the sinking of three vessels and disabling of dozens more. The cause of these interactions is still unknown, with theories ranging from playful behavior to attempts to prevent aversive moments. The company that owns the yacht plans to rebuild and continue with upcoming cruises.

via TheInertia.com|

#boat-attacks #marine-conservation #maritimeanimal-behavior

wildlife2 years ago•1 min saved

Orcas Launch Relentless Attack on Polish Yacht, Sinking It Near Morocco

A Polish yacht, the "Grazzie Mamma II," was attacked by a pod of orcas for 45 minutes in the Strait of Gibraltar, causing major damage and sinking the boat near a Moroccan port. The crew is safe, but the incident adds to a growing number of documented orca attacks on boats in the region. Scientists are still unsure of the exact reasons behind these attacks, with theories ranging from past trauma to playful behavior.

via Insider|

#morocco #orcas #strait-of-gibraltar

wildlife2 years ago•2 min saved

Orcas Ambush Racing Yacht in Gibraltar Strait

A racing yacht, Team JAJO's, was attacked by a pod of orcas in the Strait of Gibraltar, with underwater video capturing the whales ramming into the rudders. The crew managed to drive the whales away after several attacks. This incident is part of a series of aggressive encounters between orcas and boats in the area, with over 20 incidents reported in May alone. One killer whale, named Gladis, is believed to be teaching others to attack yachts, possibly seeking revenge for past trauma. The attacks have raised concerns among sailors navigating the strait.

via The Daily Wire|

#aggressive-behavior #marine-life #orcas

environment2 years ago•3 min saved

Orcas' Aggressive Behavior Towards Ships and Sailors on the Rise.

A sailor who has been attacked twice by the same pod of orcas says the killer whales are refining their strategy. The orcas have been causing significant damage to boats along the Strait of Gibraltar, and researchers have several theories as to why they are targeting ships. Some believe the orcas might be using boats to teach their young how to hunt, while others think a single, revenge-bent female has taught the others to attack ships after being injured by one in the past. Many sailors are arming themselves with guns and other weapons to defend their ships, but experts urge against causing any harm to these animals.

via Newsweek|

#boat-attacks #conservation #environment