In the Strait of Gibraltar, sailors are grappling with an ongoing problem of orcas ramming their boats, particularly targeting rudders and causing damage. To tackle this issue, mariners are resorting to various creative solutions and sharing their experiences through social media platforms like Facebook groups and Telegram chats.
Florian Rutsch, a catamaran owner, encountered orcas near his boat for the first time while sailing around the Iberian Peninsula. Having read online discussions, he was prepared to try some unconventional methods to deter the sea creatures. When the initial encounter occurred in May, Rutsch used tactics such as scattering sand in the water, a popular yet unverified claim to repel orcas. He also followed the Spanish government’s advice to accelerate the boat as quickly as possible to move away from the pod. Luckily, these methods seemed to work, and the orcas left his catamaran unharmed.
However, Rutsch’s second encounter with orcas in November took an unexpected turn. His crew attempted a different approach to deter the animals: playing a heavy metal playlist called “Metal for Orcas” underwater using a submerged speaker. Unfortunately, this technique proved to be ineffective as the orcas quickly targeted the rudder, disabling the boat’s steering capabilities. Left with no choice, Rutsch had to call for assistance, and the Spanish rescue authorities eventually towed the damaged vessel to the port.
Researchers are now studying the orcas in the Strait of Gibraltar to better understand their behavior and find effective ways to protect both the marine life and the sailors navigating these waters. Meanwhile, sailors continue to exchange ideas and experiences through various online platforms, hoping to collectively find a reliable solution to avoid orca encounters during their voyages.
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