Orcas have been linked to the sinking of several yachts and sailboats off the coasts of Spain, Portugal and Morocco, leaving scientists looking for answers.

Orcas have been linked to the sinking of several yachts and sailboats off the coasts of Spain, Portugal and Morocco, leaving scientists looking for answers. Since 2020, a small population of Iberian orcas has been involved in hundreds of recorded interactions with vessels. The whales frequently focus on boat rudders, repeatedly striking or biting them, sometimes causing serious damage and even sinking vessels. At least eight boats have reportedly sunk following these encounters.Researchers think the behavior may have spread between whales through social learning, but scientists still don’t know what triggered it in the first place.Did you know? 🎓