Neither stop the boat nor attack the orcas: Salvage explains how to act in a sighting

Salvamento Marítimo has launched a series of recommendations for sailors who may encounter orcas on the Spanish coast. The initiative, which is valid year-round, highlights the importance of following these guidelines, especially between April and October. 

The public company responsible for maritime safety in Spanish waters has decided to launch this campaign due to the increase in incidents recorded in recent years in the Strait of Gibraltar and the Gulf of Cadiz, as well as on the Galician Atlantic coast.

The Tonina Association explained in 2013 that although sightings of orcas are sporadic in the Canary Islands, they are becoming more frequent, especially during the summer. In fact, sightings have also been recorded in the waters near Lanzarote. These species reach the islands following tuna schools. 

The information disseminated by this company, which is dependent on the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility and the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge, states that these guidelines should be followed "whenever possible and do not generate greater danger". 

The campaign also aims to raise awareness about the conservation of Iberian orcas, a species that is in danger of extinction. Their violent behavior towards some vessels is an unusual act, linked to younger individuals. However, to avoid any incidents, Salvamento Marítimo advises following its recommendations. 

Salvamento Marítimo Recommendations

To prevent any incidents, it is recommended to navigate as close to the coast as possible, avoiding the high-risk area published by Salvamento Marítimo.

In case the vessel is affected, it is advised not to stop the transport and to navigate towards the coast and safe areas, where interaction with the cetacean is not increased. Furthermore, they recall the prohibition of carrying out any action that attempts to kill or harm the orca.

Salvamento Marítimo advises transmitting the maximum possible information about the interaction, which should be sent to the email [email protected]. Among other things, it asks to collect photographs whenever possible, the type of vessel, its length, color, flag, and registration number, among others. In addition to the date and time of the encounter, its duration, and the type of interaction or sighting.

Likewise, any incident between the navigator and the animal, as well as any sighting, must be reported via VHF channel 16 to the nearest Maritime Rescue Coordination Center.