Observers and sailors are speculating that orcas may be teaching new ways of attacking boats, following a series of coordinated incidents off the coast of Europe. On May 22, a group of six orcas attacked a 26-foot vessel near the Strait of Gibraltar, causing severe damage to the boat’s rudders. The sailors reported that two larger adults and four smaller orcas were involved in the attack. Sailors have also reported a nighttime attack on May 4, when three orcas sank a Swiss yacht named Champagne also sailing through the Strait of Gibraltar. Recent studies have found that orcas have sophisticated learning abilities, which enable them to learn by imitation.

Source: ABC News May 25, 2023 15:14 UTC