Orcas strike again off Spain
Authorities ban boats under 15 metres from stretch of water between Cape Trafalgar and Barbate after second spate of orca attacks on small boats.
Spain has imposed a two-week inshore exclusion zone between Cape Trafalgar and Barbate for boats under 15 metres, after reports of more than 50 encounters between orcas and small boats.
This is the second time the boisterous animals have interacted with small vessels, with many being disabled and towed into port.
Spain’s Ministry of Transport said: “Since 27 March – the date of the first encounter [this year] – the cetaceans have had 56 interactions with small sailboats, at times causing rudder failure. Up to 25 cases required the services of Spain’s maritime rescue to tow vessels into port.”
The strange behaviour has baffled scientists studying the encounters, but many believe the animals are exhibiting stress and may have had a previous adverse encounter with shipping.
