ORCAS IN GALICIA

Here you will find information about the behaviour of the Orcas who visit Galicia. Tips to avoid them and what to do if you meet them with your sailboat.

From 2020 it is no longer possible to talk about sailing in Galicia without mentioning the Orcas. Encounters with sailboats have taken place since then every summer when the Orcas arrive in Galicia from the South.

The culprits of this is a group of 14 orcas called Gladis who belong to the population of Orcas of the Strait of Gibraltar. When these killer whales come across a sailboat, they approach it and begin to interact with it, pushing it and sometimes pushing the rudder until break it. After these attacks, some boats have been able to reach a port with the remaining ruddder, others have had to be towed, and two of them have sunk as a result of the leak caused by breaking their rudder.

These encounters have taken place mainly in the Gulf of Cadiz (South of Spain), in Portugal and in Galicia. In 2020, when this behavior started, a total of 50 ships were attacked, in 2021, 188, and in 2022, 213. 50% of these boats suffered rudder damages as a result of the attacks. According to the testimonies of the affected skippers, once the rudder is broken, the orcas lose interest in the boat and leave.

In Galicia the attacks have taken place in various areas of the coast, but where they are most concentrated are in A costa da Morte and in front of the Rias Bajas. Usually 3-6 miles offshore.

The type of boats they have interacted with are sailboats and catamarans up to 15m length. The rudder is what attracts them. They were fiberglass, iron or aluminum boats. Different color of hull or antifouling. With different types of rudder, etc.

It is not known yet why they have this behavior. There are several theories, but none have been scientifically substantiated.

HOW TO AVOID THEM

The best prevention is avoid encountering the orcas. Once you meet them there is a high percentage they will damage the boat. There is no known or permitted method that is effective in preventing them from damaging the ship.

The behavior pattern of the Orcas is repeated every year and this gives clues to avoid them. Thanks to the Iberian Orca group, which studies their behavior and records all interactions, we can know approximately where they are at each time of year. Plan your trip so as not to coincide with their migration and their stay in Galicia.

So far this orcas remain part of the year in the Gulf of Cadiz in southern Spain waiting for the tuna to arrive at the Strait of Gibraltar.

In June and July there are usually many attacks in the Gulf of Cadiz.
Between the end of July and mid-August, they begin to move up the coast of Portugal, following the tunas.

They reach Galicia, usually in mid-end of August and stay around until October-November. occasionally they have crossed the Biscay Bay and reached the French coast.
In winter it is not known where they are, but they end up returning to the Gulf of Cadiz. On his return there are almost no interactions.

During June and July orcas usually are not in Galicia.

At the Orca Ibérica website you can find out about the latest interactions and see the maps of risk they publish to help you to confirm which area they are in.

Also in the Facebook Group Orca Attack Report the news about new attacks are published quickly.

Avoid sailing in the area where interactions are taking place. The statistics show that it does not matter if you sail or motor and the speed at which you go.

Although most of the attacks have been during the day, there have also been attacks at night.

In Galicia, most attacks occur at more than 50m deep, which is in the area where they are usually found. Navigate near the coast in depths below 50m It can also be a way to avoid them. For now the killer whales have not entered the Rías or if they have, there have been no encounters with ships there.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU FIND THEM

In case you come across orcas, stay calm. They do not want to harm you, they just want to interact with the rudder of the boat.

The goal is to make them lose interest in your ship and leave. For this there are various theories about techniques that work better than others. None is so far proven to be 100% effective.

These are the recommendations of The Cruising Association based on the ORcas Iberica Studios, Statistics and comments of the skippers affected. You should apply them when conditions permit and in the appropiate order to your circumstances

RECOMENDATIONS:

Disconnect autopilot to avoid damage and let the wheel/tiller run free. Keep hands away from wheel or tiller to avoid injury.
Stop the boat, de-power and drop/furl sails. (statistics show the slower the boat goes, the sooner the orcas lose interest).
In conditions that make it safe to do so attempt to go slowly in reverse. (help to avoid orcas damage the rudder)
Contact the authorities on VHF 16 or by phone on 112
Keep a low profile on deck to minimise the interest to the orcas.
Keep a firm hold when moving around to prevent injury in the event of ramming.
Take photograph or video evidence whilst keeping a low profile. Make a note of location co-ordinates and timing of the interaction along with any other relevant details including the behaviour of the orcas for future reporting.
After the interaction ceases wait for several minutes to allow the orcas to move away from the area before any interest is re-gained.

Killer whales are protected by law. Harming them can lead to significant sanctions by the administration.

TOWING AND INSURANCE

Towing by the authorities in Spain is not free. It costs €200/h. The towing can last some hours depending how far you are from the closest marina. It is important that the insurance of your boat includes the towing so you do not have to personally pay the costs of the towing.

NEED REPAIR

In case of needed there are some good options in Galicia to repair the rudder. Check the tip about repairing in Galicia