Yachtsman Recalls '45 Minutes of Turmoil' During Orca Attack

In June 2024, an experienced British yachtsman and businessman encountered a terrifying orca attack while sailing near the Strait of Gibraltar. The 71-year-old man, identified as Mr. Hegan, has exclusively recalled his "45 minutes of turmoil" during the incident.

According to Mr. Hegan, his 40-foot Swan 391 sailboat was pounded by a "pod" of four killer whales, also known as orcas, as he was travelling eastwards towards the famous Strait. The "surreal" repeated attack, which resulted in £15,000 worth of damage, left him and his crew fearing their vessel would sink.

Mr. Hegan believes the number of orca attacks in the region are being misreported or downplayed by authorities, likely to avoid frightening away tourists. He claims the incident was a "coordinated attack" by the orcas, with one approaching the stern and grabbing the rudder in its mouth, while another repeatedly hit the rudder at high speed.

Fortunately, despite the ferocity of the attack, there was no water ingress, and most of the £15,000 in damage was covered by insurance. However, Mr. Hegan's boat remains marooned near Gibraltar Airport, and he hopes to get it home next summer, provided the authorities come up with a solution to address the orca attack problem.