Unravelling the Mysterious Reason for Orca Boat Attacks in Gibraltar

 by Estella Sum-Campbell

The waters near Gibraltar have been the subject of mystery and anxiety in recent months because of a number of extraordinary orca attacks, leaving both the locals and maritime enthusiasts perplexed and worried. An increasing number of orca-related incidents involving boats, yachts, and even kayaks, has prompted urgent investigations and requests for more public awareness for the presence of these formidable marine predators in the area. 

Although orcas are not unusual in Gibraltar’s waters, one individual in particular has come to be associated with these instances. Dubbed “White Gladis”, this orca, is thought to be a mature female and has been recognised as the main aggressor in the recent attacks. Researchers discovered that the orcas target the boat's rudder with preference, occasionally using their teeth to scrape the hull. These assaults frequently break the rudder, making it impossible for the boat to steer. The problem has forced the launch of urgent investigations from marine biologists, environmentalists, and officials, as they struggle to comprehend Gladis’s motivations and address the safety consequences for both humans and marine life.

Determining the underlying causes of these orcas’ hostile behaviour is essential to creating effective management strategies for interactions between people and wildlife. Scientists are exploring various hypotheses, including changes in prey distribution, simply playful behaviour or disruptions caused by human activities. According to the theory, which implies changes in the distribution or availability of prey, Gladis and her pod are forced to explore new areas, unintentionally bringing them into close proximity with human activity. 

Renaud de Stephanis, an expert on orcas, has initiated a new study project that involves presenting the wild orcas with dummy rudders and filming them. This effort has provided new insights into these interactions. It seems that what appears to be going on is that the orcas are pushing the rudders with their noses until they break, as opposed to chewing them. “They're pushing, pushing, pushing - boom! It's a game. Imagine a kid of 6, 7 years, with a weight of three tonnes. That's it, nothing less, nothing more," de Stephanis tells the BBC. Once the rudder is broken, the orcas swim away. 

This presents a theory that the activity was akin to a cultural craze and might therefore simply fade away, much like fashion trends come and go. Experts have cautioned that the misleading narrative puts the animals at risk of retribution from humans. They claim that it might demonise them in the same manner that the movie Jaws increased people’s fear of great white sharks. An open letter signed by over 30 marine scientists from around the world explains that these orcas were exhibiting a variety of activities, many of which were “ playful social behaviour”, and that these should not be classified as “attacks”. 

The “trauma hypothesis” could be another theory. This argument holds that some individuals had a negative experience and are attempting to stop the boats to stop it from happening again. This would more closely resemble the conduct of an adult orca. Among a pod of juvenile orcas in 2020, White Gladis was the lone adult that collided with vessels. Secondly, in 2021 she carried on with the interactions despite having a newborn with her, which suggests her want to interact with these boats is stronger than her instinctive need to protect her daughter. Regarding the possible nature of this traumatic event, a lot of fishing boats dangle their hooks at the stern, which draws orcas who come to check the lines and possibly catch some fish. Orcas have been known to become entangled in and sustain injuries from these lines. It’s plausible that White Gladis experienced something similar. 

The recent surge in orca encounters in Gibraltar has starkly brought to light the reminder of the complexity of human-wildlife interactions in our waters. While researchers look into the reasons behind these incidents, it is crucial for the community to stay aware and engaged in efforts to encourage good maritime practices. Through promoting a deeper comprehension of orcas and their behaviour and putting proactive conservation measures into place, we can work towards a peaceful coexistence that honours the environment and protects the safety of those who share the waters with these amazing marine creatures.