Orcas Attack Another Sailboat: Dramatic Rescue of Five People Off the Coast of Peniche

Orcas Damage Sailboat, Prompting Emergency Rescue

In a startling incident off the coast of Peniche, five people were rescued on Thursday afternoon after their sailboat was left adrift following an interaction with a group of orcas. The victims, all in good physical condition and not requiring medical assistance, were aided by the Peniche Lifeboat Station.

Details of the Incident

The sailboat, flying a French flag, lost its rudder approximately 3.5 nautical miles (about six kilometers) from the port of Peniche. According to the Maritime Authority, an alert was received at 14:27, prompting an immediate response from the lifeboat crew.

Due to the damage inflicted on the rudder by the orcas, the lifeboat had to tow the vessel back to Peniche to minimize risks to navigation safety. The sailboat will only be able to sail again after undergoing a thorough inspection to ensure it meets seaworthy conditions.

This event highlights the growing concerns over orca interactions with vessels in the region, raising questions about marine safety and wildlife behavior.