Intentional collisions by whales with recreational craft have taken place during the summer months for the last two years along the Spanish and Portuguese coasts. Areas of concern include, the approaches to the Straits of Gibraltar and the Gulf of Cadiz, between May and mid-August. Frequency of incidents then increases between mid-August and October in the area from Cape Trafalgar to Gallica and Cape Finisterre. Members are, however, reminded that although frequency of incidents may change between areas during the spring and late summer there is still potential for incidents to occur anywhere along the western Iberian coast and either side of the Straits of Gibraltar.
Typically, the incidents involve Orcas bumping and spinning boats for a prolonged period between 45 and 90 minutes. Often this activity is accompanied by whales shaking and damaging rudders. The reason for this behaviour has not been determined.
Incidents involving whales colliding and damaging boats are alarming, however there is no record of an Orca attacking a human in the wild or intentionally sinking a boat. To minimise risk of injury to crew members and damage to craft the RYA has previously issued guidelines (2020) to sailors on passage between the UK and Mediterranean and following consultation with Orca experts, the guidelines have been revised.
Members are reminded that Orcas are protected under international, EU, Spanish and Portuguese law. It is illegal to undertake any action which may harm or disturb these marine mammals.
The Cruising Association and the Atlantic Orca Working Group are collating information on both incidents and the reporting of uneventful passages through the area inhabited by the Orcas. To learn more about this initiative or to report your experiences of sailing through the area, visit the Cruising Association website.
As part of normal passage route planning, the RYA recommends that boat crews consult information provided by the Atlantic Orca Working Group.
Maps showing areas where incidents have occurred, or navigation restrictions can also be found on the Atlantic Working Group website.
The Local Safety Protocol, which supplements those provided by the RYA for sailors departing the UK, can be found here.
As a protected species, boaters should not take any action that could cause Orcas harm. Remember as the skipper of a craft you have responsibility for the safety of your crew, protecting your vessel and adhering to wildlife protection legislation. You should consider carefully how to balance all these responsibilities before placing yourself, your craft and crew at risk.
If you find yourself in a situation where Orcas are near your boat, then follow our advice to maintain safety whilst helping to prevent distress to the Orcas and damage to your craft.
The RYA notes that damage to steering gear reinforces the need to carry an emergency tiller.
For further information, contact RYA Environment and Planning Officer, Richard Hill: richard.hill@rya.org.uk