On Sunday morning, an unusual rescue operation unfolded off the coast of Costa da Morte. Two sailing vessels found themselves in a difficult situation after encountering a group of orcas. The incident took place approximately nine nautical miles from Cabo Vilán, near Camariñas (A Coruña).
The towing operation began almost simultaneously for both vessels. Two rescue service boats—Salvamar Regulus and Salvamar Altair—were dispatched to assist. On one of the sailboats, the rudder was completely disabled after the encounter with the marine predators, and a small leak was discovered in the hull. Fortunately, the water ingress was quickly stopped, preventing the situation from turning into an emergency. The second vessel suffered damage to its steering column but managed to stay afloat until rescuers arrived.
All crew members were unharmed and no medical assistance was needed. Despite the stressful situation, the sailors remained calm and acted in a coordinated manner. After the tow, both vessels were brought to a safe area, where specialists inspected them and confirmed that there was no further threat.
The rescue service reminds: if you encounter orcas on your route, do not stop the vessel. It is better to head towards shore, choosing shallower waters. People on board are advised to stay in protected areas to avoid injury in case of sudden boat movements. It is also not recommended to use deterrents or take actions that could harm the animals. Any such encounters should be reported to the nearest rescue coordination center.
