The sailboat hit by a group of orcas on Saturday near Costa da Caparica sank in less than an hour after the rudders and hull were destroyed, according to Nautic Squad, the vessel’s owner.
In a statement released on Sunday, the company detailed the incident occurred off the coast between Bugio and Cabo Espichel while the Oceanview was being used by a club member.
“There were four people on board, all rescued safely and uninjured. The attack destroyed the rudders and damaged the hull, allowing water to flood in uncontrollably despite all efforts,” the statement noted.
Nautic Squad emphasized that “despite the pain of losing such a special boat” — the club’s first sailboat acquired in 2020 — the event highlighted “the unity and readiness of the nautical community.”
“The Oceanview may rest at the bottom of the sea, but the support we experienced shows the importance of being a club member. In good times, we share victories. In bad times, no one is left alone,” the management stressed.
“Today, the Oceanview lies on the ocean floor. But the dream has not sunk with it,” the company assured, promising updates about the fleet soon.
“More than a material loss, this incident reminds us of the invaluable worth of belonging to a community that responds, supports, and protects, even when challenged by the sea,” concluded the sailing club.
Previously, it was reported that nine people aboard two boats near Cascais and the beach of Fonte da Telha required assistance due to “an interaction with orcas,” as stated by the National Maritime Authority.
In Cascais, the boat was removed with help from a nearby vessel.
Regarding the sailboat off Fonte da Telha beach, it was transported to the port of refuge in Oeiras.
