Halcyon Yachts - International Yacht Deliveryvideo

Amel 52 Yacht Attacked by Orcas (Killer Whales) off the Spanish Coast

July 15, 2021 · 3 min · 282K views · Barbate, Spain

What this video covers

A delivery crew sailing a 52-foot Amel yacht from Gibraltar toward the United Kingdom encountered a pod of orcas southwest of Barbate, Spain.0:13 The whales collided with the hull, keel, and rudder, causing the steering wheel to spin violently.0:28 The encounter lasted nearly two hours and included both adult orcas and juveniles.0:55 Following standard safety protocols, the crew shut down all systems and drifted to minimize the vessel's profile and discourage further interaction.1:34 The orcas eventually departed, leaving the rudder partially damaged but functional.1:39 The crew maintained enough steering control to navigate toward shelter.2:31 Drifting with all systems powered down remains the recommended response to orca interactions to prevent rudder destruction and loss of vessel control.

Watch on YouTube

Boats in this video

Amel Mango 52Reviewed

More from Halcyon Yachts - International Yacht Delivery

Hallberg-Rassy 370. Why can't all deliveries be like this?Oct 2026Nordstar 28 - A Powerboat Delivery from St Mawes to Hamble. Picking the perfect weather window!Sep 2026The Wave at Bristol - Expert BarrelsAug 2026Dragonfly 35 - Delivering this fabulous Trimaran from Dartmouth to TroonAug 2026

From Halcyon Yachts - International Yacht Delivery — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analyzed video.

The Sailing Directory Newsletter

One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.

Report an issue