Orcas (Orca) are large mammals belonging to the whale family, also known as "killer whales."

Like other marine mammals such as dolphins, orcas exhibit complex social behaviors and possess excellent learning abilities, problem-solving skills, and emotional communication capabilities.

Orcas inhabit oceans worldwide, particularly in the Arctic and Antarctic, and are often found in marine environments. They are highly intelligent and social animals, using complex hunting techniques and typically living in pods. Orcas have a varied diet, feeding on fish, squid, and even other marine mammals (e.g., seals, dolphins, and even large whales).

Until now, there have been very few cases of orcas attacking humans. Even when encountering scuba divers, they usually pass by or show no interest.

However, the recent incident of orcas attacking yachts in the Strait of Gibraltar has drawn significant attention as a very unusual occurrence. While orcas are generally known not to attack humans, this incident is one of several reported cases of orca attacks, leading to various speculations about the reasons behind it.

This incident is part of a series of cases where orcas have attacked vessels in the Strait of Gibraltar and its surroundings, raising interest in the increasingly active behavior of orcas. Notably, orcas have been observed delivering sudden shocks to the rudders or hulls of boats, causing yachts to sink, and there have been passengers rescued by tankers afterward.

There are various analyses regarding the causes of orca attacks, with some supporting the revenge hypothesis, while whale experts believe that these attacks are likely playful behaviors stemming from curiosity. Lori Marino, a neuroscientist and director of the Whale Protection Project, stated, "The revenge hypothesis is intriguing but lacks evidence," explaining that the attacks by orcas are likely to have started as playful behavior.

Orca behavior is highly intelligent and social, and as interactions with humans increase, there is a consensus that their actions may be experimental behaviors arising from curiosity, indicating a need for continued research on their behavior.

Given that orcas have no history of harming humans, there will be a need for new perspectives and understanding regarding their interactions with humans.