Whales Are Sinking Boats and No One Knows Why

Whales Are Sinking Boats and No One Knows Why

From What It Was Like by Superreal

March 13, 2026 · 41 min · Season 1 · Episode 126

About this episode

This episode features British yachtsman Robert Powell recounting his experience with orcas attacking sailing boats off the coasts of Spain and Portugal.

Since 2020, orcas have been attacking sailing boats off the coasts of Spain and Portugal. Experts initially thought the behaviour was a passing fad, but six years later, it shows no sign of stopping. In this episode, British yachtsman Robert Powell describes the day a pod of orcas methodically disabled and sank his boat — and the surprising thing the coast guard told him after the rescue. Find us on TikTok:  @whatitwaslikepodcast Find us on Youtube:  @whatitwaslikepodcast Follow us on Instagram:  whatitwaslikepodcast This is a  Superreal  production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

People in this episode

Guest: Robert Powell

Topics covered

  • orcas
  • sailing
  • marine behavior
  • wildlife attacks
  • coast guard
  • yachting

Keywords

  • orcas
  • sailing boats
  • Spain
  • Portugal
  • marine behavior
  • wildlife
  • coast guard
  • yachtsman

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Superreal, Acast

Places: Spain, Portugal

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