Scientists Explain the Mysterious Orca Boat Attacks

New Scientist October 16, 2025
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Imagine you’re sailing the Strait of Gibraltar when suddenly an orca slams into your boat. Since 2020, these apex predators have been biting rudders, ramming and tipping boats, and in some shocking cases, sinking vessels. For sailors here, it’s a terrifying experience. And it’s happening with increasing frequency. A quick internet search suggests an almost Hollywood-worthy revenge flick: a boat-scarred, vengeful orca is meting out attacks on fishermen and the super-rich. It’s a compelling narrative, but scientists aren’t convinced. For them, the real explanation is even stranger. – Learn more ➤ https://www.newscientist.com/article/2401695-orcas-sink-another-sailboat-as-a-bewildering-wave-of-attacks-continues/ Subscribe ➤ https://bit.ly/NSYTSUBS Get more from New Scientist: Official website: https://bit.ly/NSYTHP Facebook: https://bit.ly/NSYTFB Twitter: https://bit.ly/NSYTTW Instagram: https://bit.ly/NSYTINSTA LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/NSYTLIN About New Scientist: New Scientist was founded in 1956 for “all those interested in scientific discovery and its social consequences”. Today our website, videos, newsletters, app, podcast and print magazine cover the world’s most important, exciting and entertaining science news as well as asking the big-picture questions about life, the universe, and what it means to be human. New Scientist https://www.newscientist.com/ 00:00 Introduction 01:11 Eyewitness accounts 03:55 What's causing Orcas to attack boats - Revenge 08:43 What's causing Orcas to attack boats - Hunting 13:22 What's causing Orcas to attack boats - Play 18:56 Impacts of noise pollution 23:37 Impacts of chemical pollution 27:02 Solutions 28:16 Respect for orcas 30:38 Conclusion