Toñi, also known by the identification number A-001 and the name ‘La Abuela’, is believed to be the oldest known member of the Iberian orca population. On 10 August 2026, a research team observed the female orca in the Strait of Gibraltar. During the observation, noticeable injuries to her dorsal fin were documented.
Following an initial analysis of the images, the experts involved believe there are at least ten bullet entry wounds. The marks could have been caused by a shotgun. It is not yet clear whether any projectiles remain in the tissue. This means there is a risk of further injury, inflammation or infection.
A final veterinary examination and a reliable prognosis regarding Toñi’s state of health are not currently available. According to observers, she was swimming alongside two other orcas and taking part in the hunt. Her behaviour was initially described as largely unremarkable.
Investigations are ongoing in Spain
The Spanish environmental agency was informed of the discovery on 11 August 2026 and launched an investigation. The aim is also to establish where the injuries might have been sustained. Toñi and her companions had previously been travelling along the Portuguese coast and had been spotted near Faro, amongst other places.
The area between the Algarve and the Strait of Gibraltar is therefore a possible location. No specific details regarding a suspect or the circumstances of the alleged use of a firearm have yet been made public.
A conservation organisation has also reported an encounter between orcas and a sailing boat off Faro on 7 August 2026. There are reportedly eyewitness accounts and possibly video footage. However, a link to Toñi’s injuries has not been confirmed. Statements on social media should therefore be treated with caution.
Motorboats are also included in the recommendations
The interactions off the Iberian Peninsula, which have been documented since 2020, mainly involve sailing yachts. According to an analysis published by BOOTE as early as 2025, sailing yachts accounted for around 72 per cent of the recorded cases. Motorboats accounted for around six per cent. However, these figures do not prove that orcas pose a fundamentally different or more frequent threat to motorboats.
For motorboat owners and crews, the specific propulsion system is particularly important. Outboard motors, inboard motors, Z-drives and different hull shapes can all affect the behaviour of the Orcas. Even when travelling at high speed in planing mode, there is no reason to ignore official warnings.
The article provides relevant background information Orca interactions: Should we scare off killer whales with firecrackers?. He categorises the documented cases by type of boat and describes the pattern of encounters to date.
This is what the Spanish authorities recommend
The Spanish Ministry of the Environment (MITECO) and the Ministry of Transport are maintaining their recommendations for 2026 as well. Between April and October, particular attention should be paid to the likelihood of orca sightings in the Gulf of Cádiz and the Strait of Gibraltar. High-risk areas should be avoided where possible. Routes should be planned as close to the coast as possible, whilst remaining within safe limits.
In the event of an encounter, motorboats and sailing boats should not simply stop, but should navigate towards the coast or into shallower water. People on board should not stand at the sides of the boat, but should move to sheltered positions to avoid injury from sudden movements or impacts.
Any actions that may kill, injure, disturb or alarm orcas are prohibited. Sightings and interactions should be reported to the relevant maritime rescue co-ordination centre via VHF channel 16. Where the situation allows, photographs may help to identify the animals.
The authorities do not generally regard the documented encounters as aggressive attacks, but rather as interactions that are likely to be related to play, exploration or social behaviour. For the crew, however, the consequences – such as damage to the steering systems, loss of control or water ingress – can still be serious. The BOOTE report provides an overview of the practical risks. Orca attacks: Are they really harmless?.
Unresolved issues in the Toñi case
Further investigation is needed to establish whether Toñi was in fact shot at. It also remains unclear whether there is a link to the reported sighting off Faro. The only thing that is certain so far is that the female orca was observed on 10 August 2026 with injuries to her dorsal fin, and experts believe the marks may be caused by shotgun pellets.
For motorboat users on the Atlantic coast, there is therefore one clear course of action: check the latest warning maps, adjust your travel plans, maintain a safe distance from the railing and, in the event of an encounter, follow the official recommendations exclusively.
Further articles
Lars Bolle
Chief Editor Digital