Last updated on August 28th, 2024 at 03:05 pm
According to the New York Post, Robert Powell, 59, and his crew were just 22 hours into their 10-day journey from Vilamoura, Portugal, to Greece when they encountered the killer whales on Wednesday.
Coordinated Assault by Orcas
The orcas, known for their intelligence and curiosity, exhibited unusually aggressive behavior as they began ramming the 39-foot sailing boat with tremendous force.
Mr. Powell, who was celebrating his birthday on the yacht, described the incident: “To me, they were not playing at all.
Systematic Destruction
The pod of five orcas first focused on the rudder, making the sailboat impossible to steer after about 15 strikes. Powell compared the scene to “watching wolves hunt,” as the orcas took turns hitting the boat, sometimes in pairs.
Crew’s Efforts and Rescue
Despite the crew’s attempts to maneuver the vessel away from the attacking whales, their efforts were in vain. The orcas were relentless, displaying an unprecedented level of aggression.
Uncommon Orca Behavior
Killer whales are known for their complex social structures and typically do not show unprovoked aggression towards human vessels. While there have been instances of orcas interacting with boats, such extreme behavior is uncommon. Experts suggest that the attack may have been triggered by environmental stressors, changes in their habitat, or previous negative encounters.