The recent surge in deadly whale attacks on boats off the coast of Europe has led many to worry about the safety of their ships, after whales attacked and sank boats, including a yacht in the Strait of Gibraltar.

Scientists do not yet know the cause of this aggressive behavior, but they suspect it was stimulated after one female was traumatized after handling a boat, but it is difficult to get rid of these whales because they are currently at risk of extinction.

Killer whales

The killer whale (Orca) is a predatory mammal, and its genus is the largest member of the dolphin family. Known for their extreme diversity and complexity, killer whales are highly social and intelligent animals, cooperate together in hunting and are considered the main predator in the ocean, and have a varied diet that includes fish, seals and even other whales.

Featuring white and yellow fins, a black back and gray sides, the adult ranges in length from 6 to 9 meters, weighs between 5 and 8 tons, and can live more than 80 years.

In recent years, there has been an alarming increase in the number of accidents, leaving many confused and worried about the safety of their ships. What are the possible causes of these attacks and what measures can be taken to prevent them?

Possible causes

A Q&A report published in The Conversation with Dr Luke Rendell, a researcher in marine mammal behaviour at the University of St Andrews, offers some insight into the possible causes behind these attacks, as well as the potential consequences for both humans and killer whales.

Dr. Rendell explains that there's still a lot we don't know about why orcas attack boats, and suggests that it may be related to the fact that some whale populations struggle to find enough food, and this may cause them to become more aggressive, leading them to attack boats as a way to assert their dominance.

In addition, as whales become more aggressive, it can lead to more dangerous encounters between humans and these animals.

Killer whales are characterized by white fins, a black back and gray sides (Shutterstock)

In light of the ambiguity about the causes of these attacks, scientists are trying to understand the phenomenon, and some of them have put forward some possible explanations, which can be summarized as follows:

  • Learned behavior:
    Orcas may have learned to tie boats to food. Boats are known to dispose of fish waste into the water, which can lead whales to attack boats in an attempt to reach the source of food.
  • Fun behavior:
    Orcas can simply be playing because they are playful animals, and it is noted that these attacks can have serious consequences for both humans and orca whales, and as more boats are attacked, this may lead to a backlash against the whales, which may lead to them being chased or killed.

Deadly whale attacks on boats may be related to trying to reach the source of food (Shutterstock)

Preventing boat attacks

Rendell highlighted the need for more research to better understand the reasons behind these attacks, and to work to take steps to prevent them from happening in the first place.

Preventing attacks can be difficult, but there are some measures boat owners can take to reduce the risk of being attacked, such as avoiding the Strait of Gibraltar during the peak whale season, which is usually from August to October, to reduce their risk of attack.

Boat owners should keep a safe distance, not feed or interact with whales, and report any incidents. By taking these measures, the risk of being attacked can be reduced and help protect these magnificent animals in their natural habitat.