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Orcas Sink Sailboat Off Lisbon, Disable Second Vessel

The episode renews scrutiny of Iberian orca interactions as researchers track shifting patterns along the Portuguese coast.

Overview

  • Portuguese maritime authorities confirmed a pod rammed a sailboat near Fonte da Telha on Saturday, while a second vessel was immobilized and towed to Oeiras.
  • Officials reported no injuries in either case, stating the five people aboard the second boat did not require medical assistance.
  • Witness João Filipe said two or three heavy blows damaged the rudder and hull of the first boat before it took on water and sank.
  • Local reports said the sunken vessel belonged to the Escuadra Náutica de Lisboa and was carrying five tourists on an excursion.
  • Footage filmed from shore circulated widely, prompting fresh scientific inquiry into Iberian orcas after years of increasing encounters off Spain and Portugal.