On Tuesday, July 16, 2024, a Flemish sailing couple were attacked by two killer whale calves while sailing off Penmarc'h, Brittany. Their 11.80 m sailboat was seriously damaged, making maneuvering impossible. The yachtsmen had to call for help and were towed by the SNSM to the port of Guilvinec. This incident prompted the Préfecture Maritime de l'Atlantique to issue an alert to all yachtsmen in the region.
Orca alert in the area
The Préfecture Maritime de l'Atlantique warns of the presence of orcas off Penmarc'h and reminds us that these cetaceans can attack ships.
Maritime authorities point out that specimens have been sighted in this area, and that they can touch, push and even capsize ships. Although orcas are protected in Europe, they represent a real danger to yachtsmen. The prefecture calls for the utmost caution and vigilance on the part of all sailors in Breton waters.
Safety measures to follow in the event of an encounter with killer whales
Specific recommendations are issued to minimize the risks of encountering killer whales at sea.
Slow down and stop the engine or lower the sails if conditions permit, we recommend reducing boat speed or stopping the engines and lowering the sails.
Switch off autopilot and sounder : This equipment can attract killer whales. We therefore recommend turning them off.
Do not touch the rudder to avoid stimulating the orcas, it is crucial to leave the rudder on course and not to touch the rudder.
Stay clear of moving parts of the ship keep away from parts of the boat that could turn or fall to avoid injury.
Do not touch, hit or throw objects at orcas these actions can irritate orcs and increase the risk of attack.
Keep VHF radio and GPS switched on : These devices allow you to quickly report any problems to the emergency services.
Once the orcas have moved away, yachtsmen should check the condition of the rudder and report any damage to Cross, Cacem or the nearest semaphore. This is essential to ensure safety and rapid assistance in case of need.
The Préfecture Maritime de l'Atlantique stresses the importance of following these recommendations to avoid serious incidents at sea. Mariners should remain particularly vigilant off Penmarc'h, where the presence of killer whales has been confirmed.
