It marks the third boat sinking attributed to orcas off the Iberian peninsula. Between 2020 and 2023, at least 500 orca encounters were reported in the region, in which 20 per cent of vessels sustained damage.
The incidents began around 2019 and have increased in frequency.
Orcas typically target boat rudders in waters along the Atlantic coast of Galicia and near the Strait of Gibraltar.
Recent encounters have happened in shallower waters and busier areas.
A comment on one of the social media groups set up for sailors navigating along the Iberian coast reveals that orca rammings happen every year “in the exact same stretch”.
One commentator said: “We were terrorised every day for four weeks last year while transiting down for the Arc … Lots of damaged boats … even an airlift to hospital for one poor lady … A very real problem.”
Loading
Marine biologists studying the behaviour suggest the whales may be acting out of boredom or seeking physical stimulation.
The Iberian orca population numbers fewer than 50 and is considered critically endangered.
Previous sinkings include boats near Sines in 2022 and off Viana do Castelo the same year.
The latest sunken vessel’s location has been marked with buoys for possible recovery.
The Telegraph, London
Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on what’s making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter.
