Groups of orcas have been staging intentional attacks on sailing boats in Europe since 2020 Credit: Spanish Ministry of Transport, Mobility, and Urban Agenda)

Killer whales, or orcas, are the largest members of the oceanic dolphin family. The intelligent mammals, which hunt in large pods, are known for their coordinated attacks on unsuspecting marine animals. But they rarely pose a threat to humans. However, since July 2020, groups of orcas have been deliberately attacking sailboats off the coasts of Spain and Portugal.