Whale Warning For Straits Of Gibraltar

Whale Warning For Straits Of Gibraltar. Sailers are being warned after boat is sunk by killer whales in the Straits of Gibralter.

Whale Warning For Straits Of Gibraltar

Sailers are being warned to take extra care and sail as close to shore as possible after a boat was sunk by Orca whales (also known as killer whales) in the Straits of Gibralter. An unknown number of whales struck the 15 metre boat several times, with the two crew members reporting severe damage. The men were rescued by a nearby tanker as their boat sunk.

Experts don’t believe that the whales were being aggressive, saying it’s more likely they were playing with the boat or mistook it for another sea animal. It’s unknown exactly how many whales are in the area, though scientists believe that the pod responsible for this latest sinking contains 15 whales. Any interaction with whales in the Straits of Gibraltar must be reported to the Spanish Transport Ministry, who advise sailers to move as far away from them as possible and to leave the area if any sudden changes of movement are seen in the pod of whales.

About Killer Whales

Orcas are easily recognized by their distinctive black and white coloration, which varies slightly among different populations. They have a sleek, streamlined body with a large dorsal fin on their back. Males typically grow larger than females. Adult males can reach lengths of up to 32 feet (9.8 meters) and weigh as much as 22,000 pounds (10,000 kilograms), while females are slightly smaller.

Orcas are apex predators and have a diverse diet that varies depending on their location and the availability of prey. They primarily feed on fish, including salmon, herring, and mackerel, but they are also known to hunt marine mammals such as seals, sea lions, and even other whales.

Orcas Are Highly Intelligent

These whales are highly social animals and live in family groups called pods. These pods can consist of up to 40 individuals and are led by the oldest female, known as the matriarch. Pod members cooperate in hunting, caring for young, and communicating with each other through a complex system of vocalizations.

Orcas have sophisticated communication skills, which involve a wide range of vocalizations including clicks, whistles, and calls. Each pod has its own unique dialect, allowing individuals to recognize and communicate with members of their own group. They are one of the most intelligent animals on the planet, possessing large, complex brains. They exhibit advanced problem-solving abilities, social learning, and cultural transmission of behaviors within their pods.

Published: 16.05.2024

Written by Dave James.