Orca Attacks Boat off the Spanish/Portuguese Coast

Sailing pro Kito de Pavant described how at least one orca seemingly playfully approached the stern of the sailing boat at full speed. Kito did not hesitate, ignited the flare, and waved it over the surface of the water. After a few seconds, the animal seemed to have had enough of the eye-damaging flames and dropped back.

This was not de Pavant's first encounter with large animals on the high seas. In 2016, he had to abandon his attempt to sail around the world after his boat collided with a humpback whale and was subsequently no longer seaworthy.

In recent years, he has repeatedly had encounters of a special kind off the coasts of Spain and Portugal. In the last two years in particular, collisions between sailors and a family of orcas have intensified, resulting in major damage to the boats.

Orcas are regarded as the kings of the sea and also as ferocious hunters. These swimming giants are not only extremely fast and agile but also have a tremendous amount of power, weighing up to eight tons. The intelligent predators often hunt seals in groups. In the recent past, a group off the South African coast specialized in hunting great white sharks. Unfortunately, boats and yachts are also targeted by these animals from time to time.

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