Master class: how to avoid meeting killer whales?

Unique flock of killer whales

The habitat of killer whales is very extensive. Despite this, one flock of killer whales, which lives off the coast of Spain, has especially distinguished itself. It is individuals from this group that are responsible for the absolutely anomalous number of meetings with yachtsmen. 

Interestingly, this flock has been observed for more than one year and even more than one decade. However, the reasons for this interest in boats among killer whales are still unknown. Interestingly, this summer, similar behavior of mammals was seen almost 3,000 km from the habitat of the ill-fated flock - off the coast of Britain, two killer whales almost capsized the yacht.

We already somehow talking about the situation with killer whales and why they attack yachts. Today we will talk about how to prevent an unwanted meeting.

Coordination is the key to success

Suppose you need to make a transition near the Iberian Peninsula. The waters of Portugal and Spain are quite a popular place among yachtsmen, so the need for such a passage is a fairly likely event.

As you know, most attacks on yachts occur near Gibraltar and quite far north of it. With these data, some conclusions can be drawn. Killer whales are living creatures that constantly change their location, so you are unlikely to find specific and permanent “red” zones on the map. 

However, thanks to modern technology, as well as the cooperation of yachtsmen and scientists, the likelihood of meeting killer whales can be greatly reduced. Website https://www.orcas.pt/ offers an interactive map that highlights recent killer whale sightings. The data is constantly updated and offhand you can figure out where it is better not to appear in the near future. In addition, the site has several official Telegram groups where yachtsmen share real-time data on the location of killer whales. 

Interestingly, during the summer months, this flock of killer whales is indeed extremely active near Gibraltar and the Bay of Biscay. With the onset of autumn, killer whales migrate and disperse across the eastern Atlantic. During these months it becomes more difficult to keep track of them.

Additional Precautions

Really effective precautions, in addition to constantly monitoring the site and Telegram groups, include laying a course through shallow water. 

Stay within 20 meters of depth, if possible - even closer to the shore. Yes, such a transition has its own peculiarities and difficulties. But the coastline of Spain and Portugal is dotted with small marinas and piers where you can relax. The main advantage of these marinas is the low cost of maintenance.

If you approach a place near which killer whales were seen, then you should pass this place under the motor. In the event of an attack, you will have a small time gap in order to escape into shallow water. If you know in advance that there is a danger zone ahead, then plan to cross it during daylight hours.

Unwanted Encounter

You carefully moved through shallow water, followed the killer whales through the site, but still they overtook you. What to do? Not too long ago, the Orca Watch Agency shared an updated set of rules and guidelines. IN the article mentioned above These rules have already been mentioned, but we will talk about innovations.

So, if earlier there was an opinion that it was worth turning off the electronics on board, hiding below deck and praying, now this idea is becoming a thing of the past. This practice will not help in any way, electronics, including navigation and radio equipment, should not be turned off.

Spanish scientists and the Spanish government recommend leaving the meeting place as soon as possible. This should be done in a direct course at maximum speed towards shallow water. At some point, cetaceans will lose interest in you and get rid of - and the closer the shallow water, the faster this will happen.

Alas, at the moment there is no effective and one hundred percent strategy against killer whales. Moreover, we do not even know the exact reasons for this behavior, which could also help, for example, to prevent meetings.

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25.08.2023