23-07-2025
Sailors rescued by coastguard after orcas attack yacht
British sailors have been advised to exercise caution after a sailboat was rammed by orcas off the coast of northern Spain.
Two French sailors were rescued by the Spanish coastguard on Monday after their yacht was attacked by killer whales near Deba, close to Bilbao.
While rare in the Basque Country, similar incidents are more common further south in the Strait of Gibraltar, known as "orca alley".
Experts recommend specific actions if encountering orcas, including turning off boat engines, lowering sails, and avoiding loud noises, especially after Iberian orcas were sighted in Cornish waters.
Despite being called killer whales, orcas are dolphins, and experts suggest their behaviour of ramming rudders is likely due to boredom rather than aggression.
