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Euronews

Orca encounters with boats rise off Portuguese coast

Euronews · Just In
Euronews
Euronews
Just In

Incidents between orcas and boats off Portugal’s coast have increased over the past five years. Experts say the whales’ curiosity about rudders and ship movements may be driving these encounters, raising safety concerns for both marine life and vessels.

Breakdown
  • Nearly 60 orca encounters with boats have occurred off Portugal this year.
  • No injuries have been reported, but some vessels have been sunk by orcas. 14s
  • Scientists believe the orcas' behavior is playful, not aggressive. 34s
  • The behavior appears to be learned and has spread among the orca population. 1m 12s
  • Authorities have issued safety protocols for boaters encountering orcas. 1m 38s
Pets & AnimalsEnvironment