New Theory Suggests Why Killer Whales Attack Three Boats Off the Iberian Coast: Scientists

Killer whales, also called orcas, are known as highly sociable and intelligent marine mammals, which are also underway of becoming the ocean's true apex predator, in relation to great white sharks.

For years, these giant creatures have no record of killing any humans in the wild, with the exception of Tilikum the orca and other of its captive kins that either killed or injured their trainer.

Despite their clean track record in the oceans, there has been several reported cases where orcas will attack boats or other vessels, including the recent attack on a yacht off the Morocco coast and three boats along the Iberian Coast in Europe.

While humans are naturally not part of the killer whale's diet, the recent attacks shows that they are still wild animals.

Now, a new theory emerges that potentially explains why the orcas kept on attacking several watercrafts in different incidents, according to scientists.

The theory is not absolute or grant, but shows the possibility that such aggressive behavior in the said region is an isolated case triggered by an event that affected at least one member of the killer whale species.

New Theory on Killer Whales

(Photo : Photo by OLIVIER MORIN/AFP via Getty Images)
This pictures taken on January 27, 2023 shows Orcas (Killer Whales) in the Artic ocean in the Spildra Island northern Arctic Circle. - Arctic Atlantic ocean is at +3C as the air temperature is -4C at this time of the year during the polar nights.

Amid the confusion among scientists and sailors, the said killer whale attacks between Europe and the coast of northwestern Africa seems to be orchestrated by a lone orca called "White Gladis."

Based on the reports, experts say the female killed whale is behind the spate of attacks on sailboats.

The theory suggested that White Gladis was once hit by a vessel or was trapped in a fishing net, resulting in a change of behavior towards the inanimate objects, not primarily on humans at least.

According to Alfredo Lopez Fernandez, a marine biologist at Portugal's University of Aveiro, told Live Science that the leading theory points out that a female orca went through a traumatic experience with a boat, which caused her to attack any vessels, as cited by New Zealand's Stuff news media website.

Also Read: Killer Whales 'Port' and 'Starboard' Return in South Africa, Duo Ate Livers of 17 Sharks in One Day

White Gladis

White Gladis is reportedly "hell-bent on revenge" after being struck by a boat in an unspecified location and date, and researchers Believed that the matriarch orca is teaching other killer whales to attack, according to The Telegraph.

Aside from the Iberian Coast, a small group of orcas recently attacked a British couple's yacht during a trip in an area between the Morocco coast and Gibraltar.

Based on the said theory, additional attacks are possible in the waters of Europe, including countries such as Spain.

Do Orcas Attack Humans?

Wild orcas pose no threat or are not a danger to humans, according to wildlife journalist James Fair, as cited by the BBC Wildlife Magazine.

This is based on the fact that there are no documented cases of free and wild-living orcas intentionally attacking us.

However, the case is different for captive orcas, especially those who have been put in enclosure for several years or decades.

Related Article: Killer Whales Attack British Couple's Yacht Off Morocco Coast