Orca Pod Sinks Fifth Sailboat, Like an Earlier Whale That Terrorized the Med

News Flash

Tuesday, May 14, 2024—A group of orcas known to attack boats in southwest Europe have sunk a 50-foot sailing yacht in the Strait of Gibraltar after ripping open its hull. It is the fifth time these killer whales have sent a ship to the seafloor in the last three years.

Before orca “interactions,” before Moby (that is, Mocha) Dick, there was Porphyrios, feared for his repeated attacks on shipping in the 6th century. (This monster looks a lot like a giant trout, however.)

In case you prefer reading to listening:

Fearsome Whale Repeatedly Rammed Ships 15 Centuries Ago. Was It an Orca?