Orca Whales Attack Boats During Race (Free English Lesson)
Lesson made on June 24, 2023
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Reading Lesson:
Two teams in a world-wide sailing race got a surprise when they bumped into a group of killer whales, also known as orcas, while they were sailing west of Gibraltar in the Atlantic Ocean. The teams, Team JAJO from Amsterdam and Mirpuri Trifork Racing from Portugal, are part of a race called The Ocean Race VO65 Sprint. This race is a shorter version of a bigger race called The Ocean Race, which also helps scientists collect data about the climate.
The captain of the JAJO team, Jelmar van Beek, said there were many orcas and they came very close to the boats. They even bumped and bit at parts of the boats called rudders, which help steer. Even though this was scary, no one got hurt and the boats didn't get damaged.
Recently, there have been more cases of orcas acting like they are planning to attack boats. A lot of these cases have happened near Gibraltar, which is close to Spain. Researchers aren't sure why this is happening, but the number of these events has gone up a lot in the last two years. There have been cases where boats have sunk because of damage caused by orcas.
A boat captain who had two encounters with orcas said that it seemed like the whales knew what they were doing. They destroyed the rudders on his boat, but didn't harm anything else.
Comprehension Questions:
Speaking and Writing Activities:
- Discuss these questions with a partner or a small group.
- Choose one topic and write a response to it. Show your writing to a classmate or teacher.
1. What are some possible reasons why orcas have started interacting with boats more frequently?
2. Have you ever travelled by boat before? Describe the experience.
3. Do you think it's okay to keep orcas and other dolphins in aquariums and amusement parks for human entertainment? Discuss.
More Reading Practice:
What are killer whales?
Killer whales, also known as orcas, are one of the most powerful and intelligent creatures in the sea. They're not actually whales, but the largest member of the dolphin family. Their black and white coloration, combined with their size--they can reach lengths of up to 10 meters and weigh over 5000 kilograms--make them easily recognizable.
Orcas are found in every ocean of the world, from the chilly Arctic and Antarctic regions to tropical seas. They are incredibly adaptable and can thrive in a wide range of environments.
One of the fascinating aspects of orcas is their complex social structure. They live in close-knit groups called pods, led typically by older female orcas. These pods work together to hunt for food and take care of young members. Communication within the pod is sophisticated, with unique sounds and signals that vary from one group to another.
Orcas are known for their impressive hunting skills. They eat a variety of prey, from fish and squid to seals and even other large whales. Orcas use coordinated hunting strategies, much like a pack of wolves, showcasing their intelligence and teamwork.
However, despite their name, killer whales are not a threat to humans. While they are top predators in the ocean, there have been very few incidents involving orcas and people. In fact, much of what we understand about these remarkable creatures comes from studying them in their natural habitat, where they exhibit complex behaviors and display a surprising degree of curiosity and understanding.
What is Gibraltar?
Gibraltar is a fascinating place that packs a lot of history and culture into a small area. It's a British Overseas Territory, which means it's under the jurisdiction of the United Kingdom but is not part of the UK itself. Gibraltar is situated at the southern end of the Iberian Peninsula, sharing its northern border with Spain.
But what makes Gibraltar particularly interesting is its location. It's right at the entrance of the Mediterranean Sea, facing the Atlantic Ocean, and is known for its famous landmark, the Rock of Gibraltar. This strategic location has made it a key spot for trade and defense throughout history.
When it comes to size, Gibraltar is quite small. It covers an area of about 6.8 square kilometers--that's about one-third the size of Central Park in New York City! Despite its small size, it's home to more than 30,000 people.
Gibraltar is also recognized for its unique mix of cultures. Its population includes a blend of British, Spanish, Genoese, Maltese, and Portuguese influences, resulting in a rich, diverse culture that's evident in everything from the food to the architecture.
What is The Ocean Race?
The Ocean Race is a sailing adventure that has been taking place around the world for nearly 50 years. It started back in 1973, and it's one of the most challenging sailing competitions there is. Imagine the most daring sailors facing the mighty winds and waves of the world's oceans in a race that covers approximately 45,000 nautical miles! That's about two times around the Earth at the equator!
The idea of the race was born when a British sailor, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, became the first person to sail non-stop around the world alone in 1968. Inspired by his journey, a few years later, a group of sailors, including England's Anthony Churchill, decided to create a crewed sailing race that followed a similar route around the globe. The first edition was named the Whitbread Round the World Race, after its main sponsor, the British brewing company Whitbread.
Over the years, the race has become more than just a test of sailing skills. It is also a test of human endurance and team spirit as sailors live at sea for several months, facing everything from wild storms to peaceful sunsets, far away from their families and the comforts of home.
In 2001, the name of the race was changed to the Volvo Ocean Race after a new sponsor, the Swedish car manufacturer Volvo. The name changed once again in 2019 to its current title, The Ocean Race. Despite these changes, the essence of the race remains the same--it's all about sailing around the world, pushing the limits of what's possible, and exploring the beauty and power of our planet's oceans.
More recently, The Ocean Race has also become a platform for science and environmental advocacy. In the latest races, sailing teams collect important data about the oceans and climate, helping scientists understand more about our world. It's quite fascinating to think that while the sailors compete in a daring race, they're also contributing to the important cause of protecting our planet.
Helpful Links:
The Ocean Race Official Website
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