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A terrifying encounter with a pod of killer whales left two people stranded at sea after their yacht was attacked and sunk in the Strait of Gibraltar. The incident, which occurred on Sunday morning, has raised concerns about the increasing number of orca attacks in the area.

The 50-foot yacht, named The Alboran Cognac, was 15 miles from Cabo Espartel in Morocco when the orcas began ramming it. The couple on board managed to alert Spanish authorities, who arrived to rescue them an hour later. Unfortunately, the yacht could not be salvaged.

According to GT Orca Atlantica, a conservation group, there have been approximately 700 orca attacks since 2020 in the region. Spanish government officials have noted a rise in interactions between orcas and vessels, with some incidents resulting in damage to boats.

Experts are unsure why orcas are targeting boats, but theories suggest they may be playing or feeling threatened. A study in Biological Conservation has highlighted the sophisticated learning abilities of orcas, which could explain their behavior.

This is not the first time orcas have been involved in maritime incidents in the area. In June 2023, racing yachts in the Strait of Gibraltar had a close encounter with a pod of orcas during The Ocean Race. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported in that incident.

The Strait of Gibraltar, a crucial waterway connecting the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea, continues to be a hotspot for orca activity. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely to ensure the safety of sailors and marine life in the region.