Latest news with #VolkerDeecke
Miami Herald
5 days ago
- General
- Miami Herald
Killer Whales Attack Boat Again
Two French sailors were rescued off the coast of northern Spain after their boat was rammed by orcas. They were taken safely to shore by the Spanish coastguard after the killer whales attacked their boat's rudder around two miles from the town of Deba, near Bilbao, according to several local media reports. A pod of orcas made headlines in 2023 for their repeated attacks off the Strait of Gibraltar at Spain's southern tip. Rescuers have said orca attacks like this are uncommon in the Basque region, close to France, where they had never before been called to assist in such circumstances. This has sparked questions about whether this is a one-off or the start of more attacks. The recurrence of these encounters is raising questions about animal behavior, the risks for boaters, and the future of human-orca interactions in a rapidly changing sea environment. Newsweek has contacted the Spanish coastguard, via email, for comment. On July 21 two French sailors were rescued off the coast of Deba, in Spain's Basque Country after their 10-meter yacht lost steering following an encounter with two killer whales, said the sources, including Cadena SER. According to the Spanish maritime safety agency Salvamento Marítimo, the sailors issued a distress call when their rudder was broken, leaving them adrift, though they did not take on water. The rescue vessel Salvamar Orión towed them safely to the port of Getaria. Researchers and sailors have reported a pattern of orcas approaching from behind and targeting boat rudders. If the vessel is immobilized, the whales often lose interest. British wildlife conservation professor Volker Deecke warned British sailors to be cautious, especially in orca hotspots like the "orca alley" of the Strait of Gibraltar. "For some unknown reason, the killer whales have developed a penchant for breaking the rudders of sailboats and once they have achieved this, they leave the boat alone," he told The Telegraph. Orcas have been causing problems for years in the Strait of Gibraltar and around the Iberian coast, but these attacks have intensified and spread in recent years. Data shows the attacks peaking in 2022 and making headlines in 2023 but have been common since 2020. Captain Dan Kriz, who has been ambushed at least twice by the same pod of orcas, previously told Newsweek: "There is not much one can do. They are very powerful and smart … First time, we could hear them communicating under the boat. This time, they were quiet, and it didn't take them that long to destroy both rudders. Looks like they knew exactly what they are doing. They didn't touch anything else." Biologist Alfredo López Fernandez, from the University of Aveiro in Portugal and a representative of the Grupo de Trabajo Orca Atlántica (Atlantic Orca Working Group), previously told LiveScience: "The orcas are doing this on purpose, of course, we don't know the origin or the motivation, but defensive behavior based on trauma, as the origin of all this, gains more strength for us every day." Spanish authorities continue to monitor incidents, issue advisories during peak activity periods from May to August, and advocate boaters' compliance with best-practice guidelines to avoid escalating confrontations. Scientists remain divided on the causes behind this pattern, proposing theories from learned behavior due to trauma, playful social learning, or even practice for hunting. Both researchers and conservationists continue to emphasize the importance of protecting the endangered orca subpopulation while safeguarding sailors. Increased surveillance, further study, and public education campaigns are anticipated as both communities seek sustainable coexistence. Related Articles Viewers in Awe at What Man Spots on Relaxing Stroll Along Vancouver BayKiller Whales Caught Harvesting Organs From Largest Fish in the SeaOrca Matriarch Seen Throwing Dolphin Into Air During HuntOrca Ship Attacks Spark New Danger Map and Safety Guidelines 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
6 days ago
- General
- Newsweek
Killer Whales Attack Boat Again
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Two French sailors were rescued off the coast of northern Spain after their boat was rammed by orcas. They were taken safely to shore by the Spanish coastguard after the killer whales attacked their boat's rudder around two miles from the town of Deba, near Bilbao, according to several local media reports. A pod of orcas made headlines in 2023 for their repeated attacks off the Strait of Gibraltar at Spain's southern tip. Why it Matters Rescuers have said orca attacks like this are uncommon in the Basque region, close to France, where they had never before been called to assist in such circumstances. This has sparked questions about whether this is a one-off or the start of more attacks. The recurrence of these encounters is raising questions about animal behavior, the risks for boaters, and the future of human—orca interactions in a rapidly changing sea environment. Newsweek has contacted the Spanish coastguard, via email, for comment. What To Know On July 21 two French sailors were rescued off the coast of Deba, in Spain's Basque Country after their 10-meter yacht lost steering following an encounter with two killer whales, said the sources, including Cadena SER. According to the Spanish maritime safety agency Salvamento Marítimo, the sailors issued a distress call when their rudder was broken, leaving them adrift, though they did not take on water. The rescue vessel Salvamar Orión towed them safely to the port of Getaria. Researchers and sailors have reported a pattern of orcas approaching from behind and targeting boat rudders. If the vessel is immobilized, the whales often lose interest. British wildlife conservation professor Volker Deecke warned British sailors to be cautious, especially in orca hotspots like the "orca alley" of the Strait of Gibraltar. "For some unknown reason, the killer whales have developed a penchant for breaking the rudders of sailboats and once they have achieved this, they leave the boat alone," he told The Telegraph. Orcas have been causing problems for years in the Strait of Gibraltar and around the Iberian coast, but these attacks have intensified and spread in recent years. Data shows the attacks peaking in 2022 and making headlines in 2023 but have been common since 2020. File photo of killer whales, taken off Rausu, Hokkaido, northern Japan, on June 13, 2025. File photo of killer whales, taken off Rausu, Hokkaido, northern Japan, on June 13, 2025. AP What People Are Saying Captain Dan Kriz, who has been ambushed at least twice by the same pod of orcas, previously told Newsweek: "There is not much one can do. They are very powerful and smart … First time, we could hear them communicating under the boat. This time, they were quiet, and it didn't take them that long to destroy both rudders. Looks like they knew exactly what they are doing. They didn't touch anything else." Biologist Alfredo López Fernandez, from the University of Aveiro in Portugal and a representative of the Grupo de Trabajo Orca Atlántica (Atlantic Orca Working Group), previously told LiveScience: "The orcas are doing this on purpose, of course, we don't know the origin or the motivation, but defensive behavior based on trauma, as the origin of all this, gains more strength for us every day." What Happens Next Spanish authorities continue to monitor incidents, issue advisories during peak activity periods from May to August, and advocate boaters' compliance with best-practice guidelines to avoid escalating confrontations. Scientists remain divided on the causes behind this pattern, proposing theories from learned behavior due to trauma, playful social learning, or even practice for hunting. Both researchers and conservationists continue to emphasize the importance of protecting the endangered orca subpopulation while safeguarding sailors. Increased surveillance, further study, and public education campaigns are anticipated as both communities seek sustainable coexistence.
Scottish Sun
7 days ago
- General
- Scottish Sun
Killer whales strike AGAIN off Spain as bloodthirsty ‘White Gladis' pod smashes yacht sparking frantic rescue mission
Brit sailors have also been warned that they could face killer waters in UK waters WHALE FRIGHT Killer whales strike AGAIN off Spain as bloodthirsty 'White Gladis' pod smashes yacht sparking frantic rescue mission Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A PACK of killer whales have struck again in the Atlantic after nearly capsizing a yacht and leaving a helpless crew fearing for their lives. The terrifying encounter, said to be linked to the bloodthirsty White Gladis pod, took place two miles north of the Spanish town of Deba. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 A pack of killer whales nearly capsized a yacht off Spain after attacking the rudder Credit: Rita Sobot 4 The crew were stranded at sea after their boat was struck by at least two orcas Credit: Rita Sobot 4 A frantic rescue mission was quickly launched by Maritime Rescue for the two men on board Credit: Rita Sobot Shocked witnesses first reported the dangerous scenes after several orcas surrounded the 30ft boat which was stranded out at sea. At least two of the beasts then attacked and left the ship severely damaging with the rudder shredded. A frantic rescue mission was quickly launched by Maritime Rescue for the two men on board. Miraculously the boat stayed intact and above water for long enough for the pair to be saved and towed back to port. The entire mission took a staggering three hours to complete from the moment the men first raised the alarm. Posting a picture on the social networks, the relieved duo said: "NOTICE TO SAILORS!! Yesterday afternoon at the height of Deba, the group of ORCAS that sail through our waters, attacked this sailboat. "Maritime Rescue of Getaria had to come to the rescue." The boat was French registered and both occupants are thought to be from France. One was aged 60. This type of situation involving orcas has already occurred on other occasions in waters of southern Spain and in Galicia. I joined Orca team searching for White Gladis & trying to solve mystery of why her pod are sinking yachts off Gibraltar Killer whales have previously sunk one boat in the Straits of Gibraltar and caused damage to numerous others off the coast of Spain. Orcas even disrupted a sailing race last year, when a boat travelling from the Netherlands to Italy had a 15-minute encounter with the animals. This prompted the crew to drop their craft's sails and raise a clatter to fend them off. The latest attacks have prompted warnings for Brit sailors. Professor Volker Deecke, an academic at University of Cumbria in the conservation of marine mammals and behavioural aspects of conservation biology, told the Daily Telegraph: "UK sailors transiting the hotspots should definitely familiarise themselves with the guidance. "The same guidance applies for sailors encountering any killer whales in Cornish waters." Earlier this month, wildlife experts confirmed they had spotted Iberian orcas in Cornish waters for the first time. And in July of last year, a Brit yachtsman posted video footage of his boat sinking after it was attacked by orcas. Robert Powell and two others on the Bonhomme William had to be rescued by coastguards after their vessel capsized in the Strait of Gibraltar. Last year, Brit couple Janet Morris, 58, and Stephen Bidwell, 58, from Cambridge, were involved in a whale attack that lasted for an hour. The orcas off the Iberian coast often average between 16ft to 21ft in length. They are considerably smaller than orcas in Antarctica who can reach over 29ft. The attacks tend to happen between May and August but researchers don't believe they are often aggressively commited. Instead, some orcas may disrupt boats out of sheer boredom. Other experts fear that one main culprit may be teaching other orcas how to strike. A majestic beast, named White Gladis, has been terrorising sailors around the coast of Gibraltar over the past four years. Alfredo López Fernandez, a biologist at the University of Aveiro, Portugal, and member of the Atlantic Orca working group believes a 'critical moment of agony' made White Gladis aggressive towards boats. Why do orcas attack boats? WHILE researchers are unsure exactly why killer whales have been attacking boats so often lately, many theories have been put forward. Some experts suggest it could be a playful manifestation of the animals' curiosity. But others fear a "critical moment of agony" such as a collision may have sparked aggression towards boats. Alfredo López Fernandez, a biologist at the University of Aveiro in Portugal, told LiveScience: "That traumatized orca is the one that started this behaviour of physical contact with the boat." Some even speculate White Gladis may now be spurring fellow killer whales on. Orcas are the largest members of the oceanic dolphin family. Although they never attack humans, the apex predators can take down large groups of whales, hence the name killer. What makes them a unique marine mammal is that they often hunt in lethal pods and family groups of up to 40 individuals - and feast on fish, dolphins, seal lions, seals, sharks and stingrays. The carnivores can grow up to 32ft long and weigh up to six tons - and are immediately recognizable by their distinctive black-and-white colouring.
The Independent
7 days ago
- General
- The Independent
British sailors warned after killer whales ram boat off coast of northern Spain
British sailors are being warned to be cautious after a sailboat was rammed by orcas off the coast of northern Spain. Two sailors on a French yacht were rescued by the Spanish coastguard on Monday after reporting being attacked by killer whales at around 2pm. The incident happened around two miles from the town of Deba, near Bilbao, local media reports. Though the pair were taken to shore safely, rescuers said incidents in the region were uncommon and that they had not been called to assist in an orca attack in the Basque Country before. Such incidents are more common further south in the 'orca alley' of the Strait of Gibraltar. British experts have now advised sailors to be cautious and familiarise themselves with what to do if they encounter orcas, as the attack in Spain comes just weeks after Iberian orcas were first spotted in Cornish waters. Professor Volker Deecke, professor of wildlife conservation at the University of Cumbria, did not rule out that such incidents seen near Spain could happen in British waters. He told The Telegraph: "UK sailors transiting the hotspots should definitely familiarise themselves with the guidance. The same guidance applies for sailors encountering any killer whales in Cornish waters." Guidance includes turning off boat engines and lowering sails if orcas are spotted. Skippers are also advised to turn off autopilot and echo sounders, and not to make loud noises. Other recommendations include staying in shallow waters, which makes it harder for orcas to ram rudders of boats. Despite being referred to as killer whales, orcas belong to the dolphin family. They can grow up to eight metres long and weigh up to six tonnes. Most experts believe orcas are not displaying aggression during the incidents and are instead attacking out of boredom. 'For some unknown reason, the killer whales have developed a penchant for breaking the rudders of sailboats and once they have achieved this, they leave the boat alone,' Prof Volker Deeke told The Telegraph. 'During interactions, the animals remain cool, calm and collected without any of the behavioural signs of aggression such as splashing, or vocalisations.'
Daily Mirror
7 days ago
- Science
- Daily Mirror
Alarming warning of killer whale attacks on British coast after close shave
Two sailors sent out a mayday distress call after their French yacht Azurea was attacked by killer whales off the coast of Spain on Monday, sparking concern about orca British sailors have been warned today about the risk of being rammed by killer whales after orcas attacked a yacht in Spain. Skippers should switch off their engines if they encounter killer whales in water off the coast of Britain, experts have stressed. Two sailors sent out a mayday distress call on Monday after their vessel called Azurea was attacked by orcas off the coast of Spain. The French yacht was rammed at about 2pm local time, two nautical miles from the town of Deba. Rescuers who saved the pair, one of whom was a 60-year-old man, said such incidents were "uncommon" so high up in the Atlantic. However, an expert at a British university did not rule out that similar incidents could occur in future. Professor Volker Deecke, an academic at University of Cumbria in the conservation of marine mammals and behavioural aspects of conservation biology, said: "UK sailors transiting the hotspots should definitely familiarise themselves with the guidance. The same guidance applies for sailors encountering any killer whales in Cornish waters." The academic told the Daily Telegraph the guidance given to sailors in the Strait of Gibraltar includes to stop the boat engine and lower the sails immediately if orcas are spotted, turn off autopilot and echo sounders and not to make loud noises in an effort to scare the creatures away. Other advice includes avoiding hotspots in the first place and, most crucially, to stay in shallow waters of about 20 meters in depth. Earlier this month, wildlife experts confrmed the first sighting of Iberian orcas in Cornish waters. This again has led to concern British sailors should take care in waters around the Southwest of England in particular. It is thought incidents like Monday's close shave have reduced off the coast of Spain following efforts by authorities to remind sailors of the safety protocol. Dr Javier Almunia, director of the Loro Parque Foundation, told The Telegraph: "The behaviour has reduced, at least in the Gibraltar Strait, by around 90 per cent following the recommendations of the Spanish authorities." But killer whales are known to approach vessels from the stern and hit the rudder before losing interest once they have stopped the boat, in a phenomenon that scientists have struggled to fully explain. Some marine biologists believe that the whales may be attacking out of boredom. Prof Deecke, whose Master's degree at a Canadian university was about killer whales, added: "During interactions, the animals remain cool, calm and collected without any of the behavioural signs of aggression such as splashing or vocalisations."
