Orca sink yacht in Strait of Gibraltar
Practical Boat Owner|Summer 2024
Spain's maritime rescue service, Salvamento Maritimo, has reported that a 15m (49ft) yacht sank in Moroccan waters in the Strait of Gibraltar following interaction with a pod of orca.
Orca sink yacht in Strait of Gibraltar

It happened on 12 May, 14 miles from Cape Spartel. The two crew members aboard Alboran Cognac, who were able to notify the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center in Tarifa, were rescued in an operation involving a passing oil tanker and Moroccan authorities.

The Cruising Association provides guidance for sailors on passage planning, deterrent measures, safety protocol and other information to avoid orca encounters.

This story is from the Summer 2024 edition of Practical Boat Owner.

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This story is from the Summer 2024 edition of Practical Boat Owner.

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