How many yachts have orcas sunk off the Iberian Peninsula?

Since 2020, orcas have sunk four yachts off the Iberian Peninsula. These interactions began primarily near the Strait of Gibraltar, raising concerns among researchers and mariners.

In one case on October 31, the yacht Grazie Mamma sank after orcas repeatedly targeted its rudder for about 45 minutes. Despite ongoing studies, the reason behind these behaviors remains unclear, with experts continuing to investigate without attributing human-like motives to the animals.

These incidents highlight the unpredictability of orca behavior in this region and emphasize the critical status of this distinct orca subpopulation, presenting both safety and conservation challenges.

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