The mystery of the deep sea: Orcs began deliberately sinking luxury yachts

On August 1, 2026, a luxury yacht measuring 14 meters was deliberately capsized off the coast of Galicia by a group of Iberian orcas, marking the eighth such incident in six years. The vessel, a Swedish sailboat, was found submerged near the northern shores of the Bay of Biscay, with both crew members rescued and transported to the port of Celeiro. This follows a similar attack just days earlier on another yacht named Idem, which sank near the cape of Estaca de Bares. In both cases, rescue teams successfully evacuated the crews, though the vessels were left in ruins. The area along the northwestern coast of the Iberian Peninsula has become increasingly dangerous for yachts and sailing boats. A group of orcas, known for their highly specific behavior, targeting the steering mechanisms of vessels, has been observed engaging in these deliberate attacks over the past six years. According to Spanish coastal authorities, the pattern suggests a coordinated effort among a subset of the orca population, rather than random encounters. Scientists are now intensively studying the reasons behind this unusual behavior. Contrary to online theories suggesting that the incidents are driven by aggressive tendencies stemming from past trauma suffered by the dominant female, often referred to as “White Gladis,” researchers believe the phenomenon is far more complex. It appears to involve social learning, possibly even a form of cultural transmission within the pod. Data collected by the Atlantic Orca Working Group (GTOA), which has documented over 700 interactions, including brief encounters and prolonged assaults on rudders, indicates that only around 15 individuals from a total population of fewer than 50 are actively participating in these actions. Notably, since 2022, no new members have joined this group, indicating a level of isolation within the subgroup. Alfredo López Fernandez, a marine biologist from the University of Aveiro in Portugal and coordinator of monitoring efforts, recently commented that the orcas appear to target medium-sized yachts with precision. Their attacks focus exclusively on the rudder from the backside of the vessel. Once the rudder is disabled and the boat becomes immobile, the orcas typically lose interest and retreat. Younger orcas observe and mimic the movements of older ones, a behavior that highlights the advanced social structure and communication skills of these animals. Marine scientists advising both crews and wildlife protection agencies recommend immediate action upon encountering orcas: turn off engines, lower sails, and release the rudder. This practice, based on observed patterns, reduces damage to the rudder mechanism by removing the surface against which the orcas might push. The loss of even a single orca in these collisions could have severe consequences for the fragile demographic makeup of the pod, especially given the lack of recent sightings of new calves. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies this particular Iberian subpopulation of orcas as critically endangered. Their survival is closely tied to the Atlantic bluefin tuna, a species itself under significant environmental pressure. Each loss of an individual could disrupt the delicate balance of the pod’s numbers, particularly as no new calves have been recorded in recent times. Scientists stress that while the focus has been on protecting human lives and property, the well-being of the orcas themselves remains a critical concern.