A family (not pictured) got a surprise when they took a boat out in Gibraltar (Image: Getty)
A family was left in awe when they encountered orcas during a boat trip near a popular holiday destination for Brits.
A video captured the breathtaking moment killer whales swam up close to their boat in the Strait of Gibraltar. The endangered species follow the annual tuna migration, sometimes appearing in the strait that runs between the British overseas territory and Africa.
In the video, shared by TikToker Encarni Mari, two of these majestic marine mammals can be seen frolicking and spinning in the water alongside the boat, with one even surfacing to spray water from its blowhole towards the vessel’s passengers.
The incredible encounter took place off the coast of Tarifa, west of Gibraltar. And despite people being on high alert due to attacks on boats by the whales, people thought the interaction was amazing.
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The video quickly went viral, captivating thousands of viewers with this heartwarming interaction with the rare creatures. One jealous responder said: “What a blast!”
However, thers said the rare encounter would have left them feeling terrified. The creatures are nicknamed killer whales after all!
One said: “I don’t feel like meeting them.” Another wrote: “I’m swimming in Bologna and already looking to see if they come close to land.” And a third added: “Oh, what a mess, they come up to me and I’ll start throwing things.”
It’s no surprise that people are scared – as a group of orcas has been linked to hundreds of such incidents in the area. Last year, a British yachtsman reported his boat was sunk after being struck by the whales.
Orcas are occasionally spotted off the coast of Spain and Gibraltar (Image: Getty)
Scientists suggest these attacks are associated with younger orcas playing. The orcas inhabiting the Strait are a unique group, distinct from others spotted in the Atlantic.
Their presence in this region is closely tied to their primary food source – the bluefin tuna.
From March or April until November, they trail the tuna, migrating between the Strait, the Gulf of Cádiz, and the Atlantic coasts of Galicia and the Cantabrian Sea.
These orcas form stable social groups, renowned for their intelligence and intricate social structure. However, their future hangs in the balance.
It’s estimated that only about 40 orcas remain in the Strait. They face numerous threats including food shortages, heavy sea traffic, and interactions with fishing vessels.