Killer Whales: Orcas rip off rubber in boat attack off the coast of Portugal

A lone sailor has told of the terrifying moment his yacht was attacked by killer whales which ripped off his rudder and left him fearing for his life.
Phep Philouceros, was forced to broadcast a Mayday distress alert - only used by sailors if they are in a life-threatening situation - during the attack.

A five-strong pod of orcas followed his 30-foot yacht as it sailed just off the coast of Cape Vincent in Portugal bound for Royan, France, on Monday.

In a terrifying attack, part of which Phep caught on video, two of the huge creatures peeled off and started attacking his boat.

One can been seen 'stalking' the yacht and attacking the rudder, which was destroyed "in one minute", forcing Phep to send out the Mayday.

#orca #sea #sailing

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[MrSlanderer]

I would be absolutely terrified if an Orca tried taking my rubber off. I can't imagine such a massive creature being gentle about it...

[rudygong]

They had enough of us disturbing their peace and our competition for food.😮
They are smart!

[brianferguson]

These mammals are NOT ATTACKING the boats, they have discovered that boats are interesting items to play with. Orcas are very intelligent and curious animals and pass behavioural traits to others in their vicinity. Most probably one individual in the recent past discovered that sailing boats have wiggly crunchy bits attached which are fun to play with. NO BOATS HAVE ACTUALLY BEEN "ATTACKED"

[JohnComeOnMan]

Some previous boaters did them dirty, now they're out for revenge.

[longyx]

Can they be trained to patrol the English channel?

[B.D.E.]

Everyone knows the most important part of the boat is the rubber.

[chapers]

Can they be trained to attack dingies?

[martinhosper]

Message is very clear. Not they have learnt to attack. They don't want us around. Who can blame them?

[LN-Lifer]

well good
they don't need to be wearing rubbers anyhow....they are endangered!

[padiedo]

SHAME THAT THEY ARE NOT IN THE (ENGLISH CHANNEL) or are they ???!!😐!!

[allineedismike]

I wonder how people would react if Great White Sharks learned this playful behavior?

[BV-cohy]

They are hungry .. we ate all the fish😂

[JustAnotherThisDJ]

someone definitely p155ed these guys off once upon a time and he was on a boat....

[paul]

my cousin in spain was telling me some fishermen in one village are now on about shooting these creatures. Two men who wernt paid out after a insurance claim on one damaged boat last year were arrested but released for lack of evidence for letting of rounds at one.

[dboogeman]

Have they not heard about this pod yet?

[monjavermeulen]

I agree, think they or one off the pod had a bad experience way back with an attack on them and now they take action to defend themselves..😢

[pn]

“Bon, mauvaise journée” translates to “well, bad day”

[leyann]

The Orcas ripped off his RUDDER, not RUBBER. That makes more sense to call out a Mayday

[DUBSTEP_KUSH]

🏃 ruuun oh we can't
Killer whales: tell China fishing ships leave us ALONE

[leronpereira]

I remember the yachting incident that happened recently too; glad they're fighting to have their oceans back and know who humans really are 🙏🏼...