Gibraltar Strait Orca Attacks: Safety Recommendations for Sailors

The Strait of Gibraltar, a crucial maritime passage connecting the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea, is a popular route for sailors, particularly those migrating between the Balearic and Canary Islands. However, in recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in interactions between sailing yachts and orcas (killer whales) in this region, raising concerns among mariners about safety and the best practices for navigating these waters. Sailme's fleet has not been immune to these incidents; in April 2024, two of our yachts were attacked by orcas, fortunately sustaining only rudder damage and leaving the crew with a memorable, albeit nerve-wracking, experience. The Cruising Association (CA) has analyzed available reports and produced a comprehensive table showing the locations and frequency of these interactions by year and month. This table is an invaluable resource for skippers planning to sail through areas affected by orca interactions.

Understanding Orca Behavior

Orcas are highly intelligent and social marine mammals, known for their complex behaviors, which have recently led to increased interactions with sailing yachts in the Strait of Gibraltar. Reports of orcas ramming and damaging yachts have raised concerns, and while the exact reasons for this behavior are still under study, several theories have emerged.

• Playfulness: Orcas, especially juveniles, may see yachts as intriguing objects. However, what begins as playful nudging can sometimes escalate into more aggressive actions.
• Territoriality: The Strait is a crucial hunting ground for orcas, and they may view yachts as intruders, prompting aggressive behavior to defend their territory.
• Frustration: The noise and vibrations from boats might interfere with orcas’ echolocation and communication, leading to irritation and aggressive responses.
• Learned Behavior: There is also concern that these behaviors are learned and socially reinforced within orca pods. If one orca begins to interact with boats in a certain way, others may mimic this behavior, leading to a pattern of repeated incidents.

Official Recommendations from the Ministry of Transport of Spain

• Do not sail in the delimited area of the Gulf of Cadiz and the Strait of Gibraltar indicated on the map during the months of April to August and sail as close to the coast as possible within the safety limits.
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• In the event of interaction, whether it is a motor boat or a sailing boat, do not stop the boat and sail towards the coast, to shallower waters.
• Prevent people on board from approaching the bands, ensuring that they are located in places that provide the greatest possible protection against sudden movements that could cause injury or falling into the sea, and against blows caused by the sudden movement of moving elements.
• Avoid engaging in conduct and using dissuasive measures that could cause death, harm, discomfort or concern to cetaceans.
• Notify the sighting or interaction with cetaceans to the nearest Rescue Coordination Centre (CCS) through the corresponding VHF channels (channel 16 or working channel), in accordance with the notification instructions established for this purpose.

Practical Tips from Experienced Sailors

In addition to the official recommendations, experienced sailors who have recently navigated the Strait of Gibraltar offer practical advice:

• 1. Sail in Shallow Waters: Where feasible, navigate in waters less than 15 to 20 meters deep. Orcas are less likely to approach vessels in these depths.

• 2. Daylight Navigation: Plan your crossing of the Strait during daylight hours when visibility is better, and you can more easily spot orcas or other hazards.

• 3. Communicate with Tarifa by Radio: Before entering the Strait of Gibraltar, inform Tarifa Radio of your planned route. Over the past three months, the most popular and safest route has been through Tarifa and along the Moroccan coast. Tarifa Radio can provide real-time updates on orca sightings and other potential hazards along this route. After passing through the strait, update them on your progress to ensure continued safety.

• 4. Emergency Preparedness: Keep your life raft, dinghy, and grab bag ready in case of an emergency. Some sailors recommend having a Thunderflash device on board to scare away orcas if they approach too closely.

• 5. Use Deterrents: Consider using devices like the Whale-Pal, which some sailors have found effective in dissuading orcas from approaching.

Stay Informed with the Latest Data

For the most current information on orca interactions in the Strait of Gibraltar and other affected areas, sailors are encouraged to visit Orca Iberica. This platform provides up-to-date reports on orca sightings and encounters, allowing you to plan your voyage with the latest data and insights.

Another useful recommendation is to download the app "Orchinus" (from AppStore or Google Play). This seems user generated, as it includes more information about the actual incidents and what happened.

While the increasing frequency of orca interactions in the Strait of Gibraltar is a cause for concern, proper preparation and adherence to official guidelines can significantly mitigate the risks. By staying informed, following expert recommendations, and utilizing available resources, you can ensure a safer and more enjoyable sailing experience. As our fleet continues its biannual migration between the Balearic and Canary Islands, we remain committed to providing you with the latest information and support to navigate these waters safely.