Timm Kruse: Rui, what do you think of that new video showing orcas biting through a yacht’s rudder blade? It almost looks staged.
Rui Alves: Yes, I think that’s a video producer. Everything had been carefully planned with the cameras. He went there deliberately and knew exactly where the orcas were. We’ve been sending out warnings all day. It’s also the case that people take advantage of such opportunities, particularly when it comes to a very well-known topic such as orcas. Some people use this to their own advantage.
And what should sailors bear in mind if they want to sail to Gibraltar? What’s the best way to prepare?
Rui Alves: Sailors needn’t worry, as long as they take certain precautions. If you’re sailing within 20 metres of the seabed, you’ll be fine and nothing will happen. The trick is to sail during the day, as it’s always dangerous at night. If you use the VHF radio and receive important information in good time, you can avoid potential hazards. Instead of letting your mobile phone distract you, you should stay alert and keep an eye on what’s happening around you. That way, you’ll be better prepared.
Is that depth really the trick? Why is it so reliable?
Rui Alves: At these depths, there is no tuna for the orcas to hunt. They usually stay in deeper waters.
How do you explain the orcas’ interest in the boats’ oars?
Rui Alves: The orcas see the oar blades as something they can play with. When a boat stops, the orcas start to interact with the oar. The oar blade is a vulnerable part and can be damaged quickly if struck. If, on the other hand, you leave the area quickly, the orcas lose interest.
Timm: You’ve suddenly become the ‘Orca man’, even though you were originally an IT specialist. How did that come about?
Rui Alves: Orcas.pt offers a centralised source of information, which sets it apart from others. Instead of having to trawl through multiple sources such as various websites or TV programmes, orcas.pt provides everything in one place. Another advantage of orcas.pt lies in its personalised interaction. We communicate directly with people. Anyone who gets in touch with us receives specific and relevant information. For example, if someone is travelling to Galicia, we can let them know that orcas have recently been sighted there. This personalised service and the sharing of information are unique in today’s increasingly impersonal world.
What partnerships have you established to improve safety for sailors?
Rui Alves: I work with observation boats that monitor dolphins and orcas, in collaboration with the Portuguese Navy and fisheries associations. Every sighting or piece of information regarding orcas is recorded and passed on. This collaboration ensures a comprehensive overview of the situation and helps to provide sailors with timely warnings.
Lots of sailors try out crazy things, like pouring diesel into the water or setting off firecrackers.
Rui Alves: That’s not effective! It’s better to drive away from the area quickly than to try out methods like that.
What have you learnt about the structure and behaviour of orcas?
Rui Alves: Orcas are organised into social groups, just like humans. There are between 30 and 40 orcas, which split into smaller groups. Only some of them – perhaps the younger, more energetic individuals – are the so-called ‘active orcas’, who enjoy playing with oars.
The interview was conducted by Timm Kruse.
Rui Alves on the orca attacks on the YACHT podcast
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