"Possibility of Revenge Against Humans"... Repeated Boat Attacks by Killer Whales

Orcas Spread 'Yacht Hunting' Technique Within Pod
Possibility of 'Revenge' by Traumatized Individuals
Highly Intelligent Orcas...Behavior Transmission and Imitation

Recently, there have been consecutive cases of orca pods attacking motorboats and yachts. Already, three boats have been attacked and sunk by orcas. Amid this, there is growing interest in the possibility that orcas who have experienced 'trauma' may have led these boat attacks. It is suggested that orcas, known for their high social intelligence, empathized with 'avengers' within their pods.

Orcas 'Hunting Yachts' with Systematic Ambushes

Orcas rushing at a yacht. In 2021, a pod of about 30 orcas was attacked while passing through the strait between Europe and Africa. [Image source=Yonhap News YouTube]

The popular science media outlet Live Science reported on the 19th (local time) that "an orca pod has already attacked and sunk a third boat off the coast of Europe."

The incident occurred on the 4th off the coast of Spain. At the time, a yacht traveling along the coast toward the Strait of Gibraltar was attacked by a pod of three orcas.

Due to the full-force attack, the boat soon broke down, and the captain was rescued by the Spanish Coast Guard, who arrived after receiving a distress call. The damaged boat was towed toward a nearby shore but ultimately sank.

The captain described the situation, stating, "It seemed like a small orca was imitating a larger orca." The large orca, believed to be the pod leader, first attacked the side of the vessel, followed by two smaller orcas hitting the rear as if mimicking the leader.

Highly Socially Intelligent Orcas... Also Imitate 'Boat Hunting' Techniques

This is not the first time orcas have attacked boats. According to a paper published last June in the scientific journal Marine Mammal Science, cases of orcas attacking motor vessels have been gradually increasing, especially around the Iberian coast.

The first attack is estimated to have occurred in May 2020. The method by which orca pods 'hunt' boats is similar: typically, the pod leader approaches from the stern to strike the rudder, while the other members chase and attack.

Orcas are mammals with advanced social intelligence, capable of transmitting specific knowledge to other members of the group and imitating each other's behaviors. The 'boat hunting' behavior appears to be one such example.

Interestingly, orcas seem to lose interest immediately once the boat breaks down and stops moving. Lopez Fernandez, who led the research, told Live Science, "Since 2020, over 500 recorded attacks have resulted in three boats sinking," adding, "It was found that one out of every 100 boats navigating certain areas had contact with orcas."

Trauma or Trend? "Boat Attacks Have Recently Increased Sharply"

Orca [Image source=Yonhap News]

Why have some orcas come to perceive human motor vessels as 'enemies'? Researchers have suggested the possibility that some orcas who suffered trauma after being harmed by boats may be directing these attacks.

Fernandez explained, "The sharp increase in aggression toward boats is a recent phenomenon," adding, "A shocking incident involving a boat likely triggered behavioral changes in one orca, and this behavior may be 'spreading' among the rest of the orca population."

He added, "While the origin and motivation of the boat attacks are unknown, it is highly likely that this behavior is a defensive response based on trauma," emphasizing, "Orcas are intentionally attacking boats." Some experts speculate that orcas may have developed hostility after being harmed by illegal fishing gear or colliding with boats.

Another possibility is that the attacks are not due to trauma or revenge but that boat attacks have simply become a 'trend' among spirited orcas.

Regarding this, Fernandez said, "Boat attack behavior was vertically transmitted among young orcas and later spread horizontally," suggesting, "Boat attacks may have become an 'important aspect of life' among orcas."

Meanwhile, the increase in boat attack cases raises concerns about the orcas' survival. According to the media, only 39 orcas currently inhabit the Iberian Strait. If boat attacks continue and conflicts with human crews persist, the orca population in the strait could face extinction.