In a shocking and rare maritime incident, a group of five killer whales aggressively two-hour impactful hits on a 39-foot yacht, ultimately sinking the $128,000 vessel to the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea. The dramatic event unfolded just 22 hours into a planned 10-day voyage from Vilamoura, Portugal, to Greece.
Unprovoked Assault by Killer Whales
The harrowing experience began when Robert Powell, 59, and his crew noticed the orcas(Killer Whales) approaching. Initially, the crew was happy by the sight of these majestic creatures. However, fascination quickly turned to fear as the Killer whales began to display aggressive behavior. "It was like watching wolves hunt," Powell described to the New York Post. The attack began around 8 PM, with the orcas taking turns to ram the yacht with remarkable precision and coordination.
Strategic Attack on the Yacht
The orcas first targeted the yacht's rudder, rendering it uncontrollable after approximately 15 strikes. Once the rudder was disabled, the whales divided and conquered, each focusing on different parts of the vessel. Some attacked the keel, others the stern, demonstrating a chilling understanding of the yacht's weak points. Powell, recounting the incidence, said, "They knew exactly what they were doing. They knew the weak points of the boat and how to sink it."
Crew's Desperate Measures
Despite their best efforts to stop the attack, including dropping firecrackers into the water and shutting off the engine, the crew was powerless against the relentless orcas. The intensity and duration of the attack were unexpected and overwhelming. Powell noted the violence of the assault, highlighting the exceptional hostility displayed by the whales. Just before the yacht sank 130 feet into the Mediterranean, a Spanish recovery craft arrived, rescuing the crew from what could have been a tragic end.
A Growing Trend of Aggressive Orca Behavior
This incident is not isolated. Similar attacks have been reported in European waters over recent years. In May, another pack of killer whales sank a 50-foot yacht in Moroccan waters, and last year, orcas interfered with a sailing race between the Netherlands and Italy. Powell, reflecting on these events, expressed his belief that these incidents are the actions of a particular group of orcas known for such aggressive behavior. He ominously warned, "It’s only a matter of time before someone shoots one of these killer whales."
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Conclusion
The attack on Powell's yacht serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of nature and the potential dangers that lie beneath the waves. As marine experts continue to study these behaviors, sailors are urged to exercise caution and remain vigilant while navigating known orca territories.
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