Orca Attack Sinks Sailboat Off Peniche Coast: Dramatic Rescue Saves Family of Five

Dramatic Orca Attack Leads to Sailboat Sinking

Five people were rescued by the Portuguese Navy and Air Force this Friday following a terrifying orca attack that caused their sailboat to sink.

Family Rescued from Perilous Waters

Among the five crew members were one Portuguese citizen and one French citizen with three French children. The Air Force confirmed that all five rescued individuals were from the same family - a couple and their three children.

The Attack Unfolds

The sailboat TI'FARE was navigating approximately 90 kilometers southwest of Peniche when the orca attack occurred. According to the Navy's statement, the attack resulted in water flooding the vessel, which ultimately led to the sailboat's sinking.

Massive Rescue Operation Activated

The EH-101 helicopter of the Portuguese Air Force that participated in the rescue mission

Multiple search and rescue assets were immediately activated for a rapid and effective response. The rescue operation involved:

• The frigate D. Francisco de Almeida
• The fishing vessel SILMAR
• A lifeboat station from the Peniche Port Captaincy
• The EH-101 helicopter from the Portuguese Air Force

Lifeboat Survival and Medical Assistance

The fishing vessel arrived first on scene and helped recover the five shipwrecked individuals, who had been forced to take refuge in a life raft.

Subsequently, the EH-101 helicopter transported the rescued individuals to Air Base No. 6 in Montijo, where medical assistance was provided by INEM (National Institute of Medical Emergency). Later, all were transported to a hospital unit for further care.