A series of orca encounters off Galicia has damaged the rudders of two sailing yachts within 24 hours, with both crews returning safely to port.
The first incident took place on Saturday evening (30 August 2026) after the Ignacio Montenegro Trophy regatta, which involved about 30 boats. The 42ft sailing yacht Seika was heading towards Baiona when it encountered four orcas near Picamillo.
Footage recorded by the crew shows the animals swimming beneath the yacht before repeatedly striking the vessel. Part of the rudder broke away and surfaced, while sections of the yacht’s polyester construction were also damaged.
Five Ukrainian crew members were on board. Gage Butler, a member of the Seika Racing sailing crew who shared footage of the encounter on Instagram, estimated that three or four orcas remained around the yacht for about eight minutes. He said roughly half of the rudder was lost.
Butler adds that he is “pretty sure they were juveniles just playing with the boat, which ended up breaking the rudder”. He also says: “It was so cool to see how smart these animals are and how they play and hunt as a pod. But at the same time my adrenaline was pumping while we were investigating the boat to see if we had any leaks in the hull. Luckily everyone was safe and there was no major damage to the boat. This was truly a once in a lifetime experience.”
Spain’s Maritime Rescue service was alerted and prepared assistance, but Seika was able to continue towards shore. The damage left the yacht with reduced steering capability, although none of those on board were injured.
Second incident in two days
The following day, another yacht carrying two people encountered orcas near the northern entrance to the Ría de Vigo. The animals damaged its rudder, prompting Maritime Rescue to send the Salvamar Mirach shortly after 1pm.
The yacht was checked for water ingress and its engine was found to be operational. It was able to continue towards Baiona at about six knots, with the rescue vessel accompanying it as a precaution. A nearby boat, Savana, also came alongside. Scientists studying orcas were on board and told the rescue service that their vessel had reinforced metal rudders designed to better withstand contact with the animals.
The damaged yacht reached the marina at about 4.30pm without further incident. Nobody on board was injured.
Encounters part of a pattern of orca behaviour
The encounters are part of a pattern involving Iberian orcas and boats that has been documented since 2020. The animals have repeatedly made physical contact with sailing vessels, often focusing on rudders and sometimes damaging them badly enough to leave boats unable to steer.
Researchers have not established a definitive explanation for the behaviour. Possible factors include play, curiosity and social learning, with scientists examining whether the behaviour has spread among members of the small Iberian orca population.
The population numbers fewer than 50 adults and follows bluefin tuna along a seasonal route that takes the animals from waters around the Strait of Gibraltar towards the Portuguese and Galician coasts. Their movements bring them into contact with recreational vessels, particularly during spring and summer. Spain’s Environment Ministry identifies April to October as the period when orca presence is more likely.
A 2024 scientific paper examining the behaviour suggested that it could eventually disappear, while noting that the animals’ intelligence and social complexity make their future behaviour difficult to predict.
There have been no reported cases of wild Iberian orcas injuring people during these encounters. The incidents have, however, caused substantial vessel damage. Scientists at the International Whaling Commission (IWC) say at least nine boats have sunk and about 250 have sustained damage, with more than 700 interactions recorded over the past five years.
The recent encounters follow the sinking of a third yacht off Galicia in July, after an orca interaction. Two crew members aboard Idem were rescued after its rudder was destroyed and the vessel began taking on water. The incident occurred off Estaca de Bares on a day when three other boats also reported interactions with orcas in the area.
The yacht was subsequently lost despite an attempt by a private boat to tow it to shore.
The latest encounters come as Spanish authorities investigate recent suspected gunshot injuries to “Toñi”, one of the oldest known Iberian orcas who has become known for ramming boats.
The post Video: Orca encounters damage two yachts off Spain appeared first on Marine Industry News.