Whale watchers have an unexpected experience

Around 100 tourists on a whale watching tour in northeast Iceland had a huge shock recently when they observed a group of orcas attack a large minke whale and eat it.

The tourists were very taken aback by the spectacle and it is likely the first time that pictures have been taken of killer whales attacking a larger mammal in Icelandic waters. Orcas are divided into two groups — residents and transients with each type having different food sources. Resident orcas feed only on fish with the transients feeding on fish and other marine mammals including larger whales, seals and sea lions. Until now, only the residents were believed to live around Icelandic waters.

Witnesses said the whales looked as if they were all very organised and didn’t rush the kill. Between 20 and 30 whales participated in the attack, surrounding the minke whale and then took charge in turn. The whale watchers also said that the minke whale looked terrified and confused, swimming into their boat two times as if trying to hide. The minke whale was eventually killed and shared amongst the orcas.

Groups of orcas have also been known to kill gray whales, and very occasionally sperm whales or blue whales although bull sperm whales are usually avoided, as they are large, powerful, and aggressive enough to kill orcas.