“We didn’t expect it”: a couple of tourists are attacked by two orcas off the French coast

Deux orques ont attaqué une embarcation au large du Finistère. (illustration) http://imagebroker.com/#/search/5324245

the essential This Tuesday, July 16, 2024, a Belgian couple who were sailing off the coast of Penmarc in Finistère were attacked by orcas. Fortunately, more out of fear than harm, they were rescued, but the maritime prefecture calls for caution.

John Ostermeyer and his wife Chris Simons, aged 66 and 63 respectively, left by boat from the port of Breskens in the Netherlands on May 4, to reach the Azores. But this Tuesday, while they were off the French coast, their boat was attacked by two orcas, reports Het Laaste Nieuws.

"We really feared for our lives"

Near Penmarc in Finistère, the couple realized that their boat's autopilot no longer worked. It was then that they noticed the presence of two orcas circling around.

At this point, concern mounts, especially since one of the two young cetaceans targeted the boat and ran into it, causing significant damage. "They could have sunk our boat, the husband told the Flemish daily. We really feared for our lives", John said.

"We didn't expect that. Not in this place. We called for help and they came to pick us up four hours later to bring us back to shore. When we arrived there were about 500 people watching. I don't know how they found out about it", he continued.

The Atlantic maritime prefecture therefore calls for increased vigilance but also caution for the many vacationers in the area.

#SécuritéEnMer 🌊 | Des orques ont été observés au large de Penmarc'h le 16.07 : prudence ⚠️
Les orques, espèce protégée en Europe, peuvent toucher, pousser et jusqu'à faire chavirer des navires !
En cas de rencontre avec une orque les recommandations sont les suivantes ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/8HBbyIvJXq

— Préfecture maritime et commandement en chef ATLANT (@premar_ceclant) July 19, 2024

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