Orcas reported off the Galician coast

Galicia, Spain — A sailing vessel off the coast of Galicia was damaged this week after an encounter with a pod of orcas, according to maritime authorities.

The incident occurred near Cape Finisterre, where the crew of a small yacht reported repeated impacts against the vessel’s rudder. The sailors were unharmed, but the yacht sustained significant steering damage and required assistance to reach port.

This marks the latest in a series of similar reports along the Iberian Peninsula, where orcas — also known as killer whales — have increasingly approached and interacted with boats. Researchers believe a subgroup of Iberian orcas has developed the unusual behavior of striking sailing vessels, though the cause remains under study.

Spanish maritime officials have issued advisories for vessels navigating the Galician coast, urging caution in areas where orcas are known to travel. Sailors are encouraged to report sightings and avoid direct engagement with the animals.

Environmental experts stress that the orcas, a protected species, are not considered aggressive toward humans, but their powerful behavior poses risks to boats. Studies are ongoing to better understand and mitigate these interactions.