Advice to mitigate Risk of Orca interactions and their consequences.

To date in 2025 there have been 60 orca interactions involving contact with boats in Biscay, Atlantic Spain and Portugal and straights of Gibraltar (GT Orcas App). Their frequency is increasing compared to 2024.

Spanish authorities, The Department of Transport and Coastguard, have issues advice about managing and avoiding orca interactions. These are the competent authorities when sailing in territorial waters within their jurisdiction. Currently we are investigating whether the Portuguese authorities have issued similar advice. The advice below incorporates the Spanish advice with some additions.

The Spanish advice was updated in May 2025 and is in force for a year or until amended. It broadly accords with the updated (2025 monthly updates) of the Reeds Almanac but is not consistent with the older RYA advice formulated in 2023 which recommends stopping the boat if approached by orcas.

However, a subsequent press report (The Times 26/8/2025) reveals that the orcas’ behaviour has changed and they are now hunting and interacting with boats in shallow water. Therefore, advice to make for shallow water and the coast may not stop attacks but could bring the boat closer to sources of assistance.

Summary of advice.

• Avoid navigation in areas of recent orca attacks and establish routes as close as possible to the coast, within safe limits.

• Skippers should use all available means to determine areas where attacks are occurring and avoid passing through them. As a minimum consult an APP like GT Orcas, and us this information in passage planning. Where possible, local (Spanish or Portuguese) sources of information should be consulted since these are likely to be most accurate and up to date.

• In case of interaction with orcas, whether motoring or sailing, it is recommended NOT to stop the boat but instead to sail or motor towards the coast, towards shallower waters.

• Ensure that crew are placed in a safe position against possible blows or sudden movements of the boat which could cause injuries or them to fall overboard.

• The helm should be prepared for sudden gyrations of the wheel.

• It is illegal to use deterrent measures against orcas that may cause death, damage, discomfort or anxiety to these cetaceans.

• Provided that there is no danger to humans, it is suggested that photographs be taken of the orcas for better registration and identification. The photographs should be sent by e-mail to: orcas@sasemar.es.

• Anyone who sees orcas or is affected by an interaction is requested to notify the nearest Rescue Coordination Centre via VHF channel 16. These centres are always available to skippers and will take care of any emergency that may arise because of the encounter.

In addition, the ECYC Directors recommend avoiding sailing at night and in weather conditions or through areas that might impede or delay rescue in the event of a serious attack.

To date there does not appear to be evidence of attacks at anchor or when moored. But we have found no specific information about this.

ECYC Directors, 28/08/25