Orcas have been linked to the sinking of several yachts sailboats off the coasts of Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, leaving scientists searching for answers.

Researchers believe the unusual behavior may have started with a small group of Iberian orcas before spreading through the population via social learning, raising new questions about these highly intelligent marine predators.

have been linked to the sinking of several yachts and sailboats off the coasts of Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, leaving scientists searching for answers.

Since 2020, hundreds of encounters between orcas and vessels have been recorded, with some boats sustaining serious damage after the whales repeatedly targeted their rudders.