In a harrowing encounter at sea, a yacht was sunk by a pod of orcas in the Strait of Gibraltar.
The vessel, operated by the Warsaw-based sailing school Morskie Mile, was subjected to a 45-minute onslaught by the marine mammals, resulting in significant damage and eventual sinking.
The incident, which occurred on October 31, marks the fourth such attack by local orcas leading to a vessel's sinking in the past two years.
According to a Facebook post, the crew aboard the yacht, Grazie Mamma II, faced a perilous situation as the orcas repeatedly struck the steering fin, causing major damage and water ingress.
Despite valiant efforts by the captain, crew, and rescue teams from the SAR, port tugs, and the Moroccan Navy, the yacht succumbed to the damage and sank near the entrance to the port of Tanger Med. Fortunately, all crew members were safely evacuated and are now in Spain, unharmed.
The sailing school took to social media to express their emotions over the loss of their beloved yacht, which had been central to many friendships, voyages, and training sessions.
They reminisced about the memories made aboard the yacht, sailing through Europe's most beautiful locales and the Atlantic archipelagos. The post, which has garnered significant attention online, reflects the deep connection between the sailors and their vessel, as well as the unpredictable nature of the sea.
The incident has sparked a mix of reactions online, with comments ranging from heartfelt solidarity with the crew to admiration for their courage. The overarching sentiment is one of relief that the crew is safe, underscoring the importance of life over property. This event serves as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the inherent risks of seafaring.
Watch the post by the crew below
