Killer Whales: Orcas rip off rubber in boat attack off the coast of Portugal

A lone sailor has told of the terrifying moment his yacht was attacked by killer whales which ripped off his rudder and left him fearing for his life. Phep Philouceros, was forced to broadcast a Mayday distress alert - only used by sailors if they are in a life-threatening situation - during the attack. A five-strong pod of orcas followed his 30-foot yacht as it sailed just off the coast of Cape Vincent in Portugal bound for Royan, France, on Monday. In a terrifying attack, part of which Phep caught on video, two of the huge creatures peeled off and started attacking his boat. One can been seen ’stalking’ the yacht and attacking the rudder, which was destroyed “in one minute“, forcing Phep to send out the Mayday. #orca #sea #sailing Subscribe to The Telegraph with our special offer: just £1 for 3 months. Start your free trial now: Get the latest headlines: and are websites of The Telegraph, the UK’s best-selling quality daily newspaper providing news and analysis on UK and world events, business, sport, lifestyle and culture.