Sailboat attacked by a group of killer whales in the Strait of Gibraltar

A sailboat has been attacked by a group of killer whales in the Strait of Gibraltar.

The Salvamento Maritimo set out on a rescue mission to help a sailboat that had been attacked by a pod of killer whales. The attack took place in the early hours of Thursday morning, July 15, and the sea conditions were considered to be bad too. The people on the boat had carried out safety protocols appropriate to the situation.

According to Europa Press the boat was a recreational sailing boat which had two people on board. They called for help at 3:50 am when they were attacked by killer whales. The sea conditions were also bad and they were being hit by two metre waves. The crew members were able to confirm that they had followed protocol which included lowering the sails and turning off the engine.

According to reports the boat was attacked by four killer whales in the Strait of Gibraltar and was left adrift and rudderless. Luckily for the people on board the Salvamar Enif was able to find them. The boat then accompanied the two-metre-long boat to safety at Cadiz’s Barbate. They arrived there safely at 6 am.

The rescue operation was coordinated by the Maritime Rescue Centre in Cadiz’s Tarifa. The rescue centre was also able to help with the rescue of another boat which had to be towed after being found drifting south of Punta Carnero.

In this case an alert was received at 7.55 am and related to a 6.4 metre long boat with two people on board.  They were brought to safety at about 9:30 am after the Salvamar Denebola boat came to their aid. It towed them towards Saladillo and safety, as reported 20 minutes.

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