The sea holds all kinds of stories

Something is up under water. In the ocean, to be specific. You must inc ships. They have been attacking and even sinking ships, especially off the coasts of Portugal and Spain. Most recently, they attacked two boats competing in a big yacht race. They have sunk three ships in 2023 alone.

- NISHA SUSAN

This unprecedented orca behaviours seemingly leaning into its other name, killer whales-has provoked the widest range of human response, from terror to "eat the rich" giggles. Especially because speculation had it that the aggressive pod off the Iberian coast was led by a female called Gladis, who had a "traumatic incident" when she was pregnant. This internationally recognisable trauma narrative of the 21st century, combined with a 20th century name, was really irresistible. As if the hausfrau of the ocean had had enough and thrown off her apron to take up maritime arms. The truth is less in the quirky genre and more in the edgy variety.

Gladis is actually short for the killer whale's scientific name, Orca gladiator. This particular orca, identified as the leader of the attacks, is Gladis Bianca. The other Gladises who often join her, having learnt to mimic her moves, are her children and siblings. Today, over 15 orcas from three different pods have been observed in what is euphemistically termed "interacting with ships". According to scientists, Gladis Bianca's mother, Gladis Lamari, just watches.