Shared by the OCC, details from one of their members – Richard Hutchings of SV Xoxo.

Re Orca interactions.

On 24th June off Cabo Espichel (S of Lisbon) whilst we were in 15m of water we passed at a distance of 0.25nm a yacht STOPPED in 22m being attacked by Orcas. They had been under attack for 30 minutes suffering rudder damage. The attack only stopped when a few fishing boats buzzed around the yacht. When questioned by the coastguard we heard them say they had stopped because that was the advice they had received.

One orca came to inspect us but we left the area at top speed. The nature of the cliffs there meant we could not safely go into much shallower water.

The previous week at Sagres (Cape St Vincent) a few boats were seriously attacked – some in <20m and without warning with orcas chasing them until they reached shallower water.

They are various theories and 'BEST' advice, but my analogy is if you are in a pub and someone punches you, unless you have something special to throw at them then run. The longer you are in the zone then the more time you give them to do damage. We could see the greater pod further out to sea and they do not like being too far from their family.

Orca Encounter Cascais, Portugal
https://www.facebook.com/groups/588408531341472/
From the Med Sailing FB page 21st January, 2022:
We have just taken an Orca attack about 3 miles west of Cascais. Be aware they are currently here.
We have rudder damage and are heading back to Cascais port. The attack lasted around 30 minutes. We shut off the engine and electronics but were advised my the MRCC to put the engine on and use reverse. It seemed to have worked. I counted 4 orcas and we are a Dufour 56 on engine at the time of the attack.

Attention sailors apparently there was one interacting group of orcas in Peniche, and another one in Sines yesterday. Check out maps to plan your trips.
From https://www.facebook.com/OrcaIberica/