Overview

• On August 21, orcas repeatedly struck the German-flagged sloop Ávila north of the Cíes, destroying its rudder before Salvamento Marítimo towed it to the Real Club Náutico de Vigo.
• La Voz de Galicia and Faro de Vigo report additional encounters off Costa da Vela that afternoon, with authorities assisting several yachts and damage reported on up to four boats.
• Salvamar Mirach and a Guardia Civil patrol boat responded, broadcast a radio safety notice to nearby traffic, and worked to keep the animals away from vessels close to the rocks.
• Officials reiterate guidance to avoid designated zones, maintain headway toward shallower water during encounters, and report on VHF Channel 16 to the nearest Salvage Coordination Center.
• Researchers tracking Iberian orca groups since 1999 describe a seasonal northbound corridor linked to tuna prey and report about an 80% decline in Strait-of-Gibraltar interactions over two years.