A tourist yacht sank off the Portuguese coast near Lisbon after being repeatedly rammed by a pod of killer whales (orcas), in the latest incident of growing encounters between the species and vessels in Iberian waters.
According to The Sun, five people were on board the yacht when the attack occurred near Fonte da Telha beach.
All were rescued safely thanks to the quick intervention of nearby boats before official rescue teams arrived.
Uma orca causou o afundamento de um veleiro ao largo da Costa da Caparica. Todos os tripulantes foram salvos por embarcações que estavam nas proximidades.
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— SIC Notícias (@SICNoticias) September 13, 2025
Video footage shows the orcas striking the yacht’s hull multiple times, causing it to list heavily before sinking.
The same group of whales also attacked a nearby rescue boat, though its crew escaped unharmed. In total, nine people across both vessels survived without requiring medical care.
Authorities confirmed that Portugal’s maritime rescue coordination center in Lisbon responded immediately after receiving the distress call.
This attack is part of a series of similar incidents reported in recent months off Portugal and Spain.
Scientists remain divided on the cause, some suggesting curiosity or play, while others warn that orcas may be learning to target boats after past traumatic encounters.
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