05 November 2023 , 11:15
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Killer whales have struck again in Spain as a tourist yacht sank following a 45-minute horror attack
The shell-shocked crew of a Polish tourist yacht have told how they survived a terrifying 45-minute attack by a pack of killer whales in Spain but could not save their boat from devastating damage.
The attack, one of many reported in the waters around Spain, happened in the Strait of Gibraltar in the early afternoon of October 31st, it has been revealed. The boat, operated by the company Morskie Mile, later sunk but all the crew survived.
Recalling the horror incident on board the Grazie Mamma II, the tourist company said in a statement: "On October 31st, 2023, in the Strait of Gibraltar, in the early afternoon, our yacht was attacked by a pack of killer whales. They hit the rudder blade for 45 minutes, causing major damage and a leak. Despite attempts to bring the yacht to port made by the Captain, the crew and rescuers from the SAR, port tugboats and the Moroccan Navy, the unit sank near the entrance to the Tangier Med port. The crew is safe and sound in Spain."
"For us, this yacht was everything that was great about sea sailing. Long-term friendships were formed on board. We sailed this yacht through the most beautiful places in Europe and the Atlantic archipelagos, trained numerous yacht helmsmen, discovered the beautiful and unknown, tasted Mediterranean specialties and sailed, sailed, sailed. We will take very good memories to Grazie Mamma II. Love for the sea always wins, and friendships will remain with us."
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"We are working to ensure that the upcoming cruises in the Canary Islands take place as planned on our friends' yachts. We will contact all our guests in the coming days."
A string of similar incidents involving attacks by killer whales have been reported in the waters of Spain and scientists are currently investigating why they are happening. The encounters have ranged from orcas simply approaching boats to actively interfering with them.
Orcas that sunk a boat in Portugal ripped a huge hole in the back before tearing off the rudder and swimming away with it. Tourists who had previously sailed on the Polish-owned Grazie Mamma II said they were horrified to hear of the attack.
"Very sad for you and the loss of your boat. Glad you are all safe," said one whilst another posted: "What a tragedy... The most important thing is that the crew survived, but I can only imagine how scared they were."