A French-flagged sailboat lost its rudder “after an interaction with orcas, 3.5 nautical miles (approximately six kilometers) from the port of Peniche,” in Leiria district, a statement from the National Maritime Authority (AMN) reports.
According to the AMN, after an alert at 2:27 PM, the Lifeboat of Peniche was dispatched to assist the five crew members on board, “who were physically well and did not require medical assistance.”
“Due to the damage caused to the sailboat’s rudder,” the vessel was towed to Peniche by the Lifeboat to “minimize the risk to navigation safety,” the AMN states.
The AMN further notes that the vessel will undergo inspection “to ensure navigation conditions” before it can sail again.
