Toñi, who is also known by the identification number A-001 and the name ‘La Abuela’, is believed to be the oldest known member of the Iberian orca population. On 10 August, a research team discovered the distinctive injuries on her dorsal fin. Having analysed the images, the experts involved estimate that there are around ten bullet entry wounds. Some pellets may still be lodged in the fin, posing a risk of inflammation and infection.
Injuries to the dorsal fin
According to the observers, Toñi was swimming alongside two other orcas and taking part in the hunt. At first, her behaviour appeared largely unremarkable. However, she is said to have remained near the observation boats for a shorter time than usual. A detailed veterinary examination and a reliable prognosis are not yet available.
The Spanish environmental authorities were informed of the incident on 11 August and have launched an investigation. This will also examine whether the injuries could have occurred in Portuguese waters. Toñi and her companions had previously been travelling along the Portuguese coast and were spotted near Faro, amongst other places. The incident is therefore thought to have taken place somewhere between the Algarve and the Strait of Gibraltar.
Link to a boating incident remains unclear
An organisation dedicated to the protection of Iberian orcas has reported an incident off the coast of Faro on 7 August. It is alleged that an interaction took place between orcas and a sailing boat. According to the organisation, there are witness statements and possibly video footage. However, it has not been confirmed whether this incident is in fact linked to Toñi’s injuries. Nor has a specific suspect been publicly named as yet.
Should this link be confirmed, the incident would further exacerbate an already tense situation between sailors, fishermen and the orcas. Since 2020, interactions with boats have been regularly documented off the Iberian Peninsula. Sailing yachts are particularly affected; the animals usually focus on the rudder system. A YACHT Report from 2023 At the time, he had already documented 40 cases he had investigated and also described a sunken yacht off the coast of Portugal.
A similar incident had already occurred in August 2023. On that occasion, a whale-watching boat filmed what appeared to be the crew of a catamaran near Tarifa firing pyrotechnic projectiles at orcas. The The Guardia Civil identified the crew and launched an investigation. According to the human rights organisations WeWhale and Sea Shepherd France These proceedings are still pending.
Several total losses
The danger to crews is not merely theoretical. In May 2024, the 15-metre sailing yacht ‘Alboran Cognac’ sank following an incident in Moroccan waters near Gibraltar. The two sailors were rescued by a tanker. YACHT reported at the time on the Sinking of a yacht off Gibraltar.
Even after that, the spate of serious incidents continued. In October 2024, the French yacht ‘Ti’fare’ sank off the coast of Portugal. In September 2025, a sailing yacht off the Costa da Caparica near Lisbon was also abandoned after its rudder was damaged. For 2026, the orcas.pt platform had already reported nine incidents by the end of April; a further 22 sightings and interactions were recorded in the first three weeks of May. YACHT summarised the latest developments in May.
Researchers generally interpret the animals’ behaviour as play, exploration or social interaction, rather than as deliberate acts of revenge against humans. The Orca expert Rui Alves At the same time, it points out that the orcas may well have recognised the rudder blade as a particularly vulnerable part of a boat.
What crews should bear in mind
The official recommendations issued by the Spanish authorities apply to sailing. High-risk areas should be avoided where possible, and routes should be planned as close to the coast as possible. When on deck, people should keep away from the railings and secure themselves against sudden movements. The current guidelines should be checked before setting sail. Further information is available from the Spanish Ministry of the Environment.
According to the latest figures, the Iberian orca population now numbers only around 32 animals and is considered to be critically endangered.
Further articles on this topic
- Orca interactions: Using firecrackers against killer whales? – YACHT
- Orca attacks: “The problem isn’t going away – if anything, it’s getting worse”
- Strait of Gibraltar: Getting cosy with the orcas?
- Interview: The Orcas see “the rudder blade as a weak point”
- Orca attacks: “The debate is heating up” – an interview with an expert
- Blue Water: German crew films whale incident in the Bay of Biscay
- Orca interactions: More whales are active, but there is less damage to oars
- Orca attacks: Increased number of attacks off Gibraltar – guidelines on how to behave
- Opinion: It’s always these orcas
Lars Bolle
Chief Editor Digital