The organization of the Copa del Rey Mapfre sailing race reported that another killer whale attack on a boat in the Mediterranean Sea has been recorded. Recent attacks by these huge animals on ships off European coasts have once again caused concern among yachtsmen.
Unlike previous episodes, on this occasion a group of killer whales attacked a boat that was heading towards the Real Club Náutico de Palma to participate in the regatta.
The affected vessel was the Kapote Tercero, a Sun Fast 37, owned by owner Ignacio González Camacho and registered in the ORC 3 category. After the encounter with the cetaceans, the vessel had to take refuge in Estepona to assess the damage suffered in the attack.
Fortunately, the ship’s crew is reported to be safe and without personal injury. The boat was towed by Salvamento Marítimo, as it became inoperable.
Damage is currently being assessed to determine if they will be able to arrive in time to participate in the Copa del Rey Mapfre.
New killer whale attack on a ship in the Mediterranean Sea
This event adds to a list of killer whale attacks that has been growing in recent months, but with a relevant particularity: this time the attack has occurred in the Mediterranean Sea.
Until now, all the incidents involving killer whales have taken place on the Atlantic coast, so this new incident represents a new front in the worrying problem of these attacks.
It should be recalled that about a month ago, two boats participating in the Ocean Race also experienced terrifying moments when a group of killer whales boarded them in the Strait of Gibraltar.
On this occasion, the cetaceans repeatedly struck the hulls of the boats, but fortunately there were no serious injuries or significant damage to the vessels.
Severe attacks
Unfortunately, in May of this same year, the most serious attack to date was recorded, when three killer whales sank a sailboat near Gibraltar.
The Swiss ship Champagne was the victim of a violent attack that caused it to sink at the entrance to the port of Barbate (Cádiz), although fortunately the crew managed to save themselves.
Faced with this growing problem, authorities and experts are investigating the behavior of these cetaceans and are looking for ways to protect boaters and prevent damage to vessels.
The nautical community remains on alert and taking precautions when encountering killer whales on the high seas, hoping that a solution will be found to prevent future attacks.
The Copa del Rey MAPFRE regatta, celebrates its 41st edition from July 30 to August 5 in the waters of the Bay of Palma and the support of the Real Club Náutico de Palma.
