The infamous killer whales, Starboard and Port, have been spotted in Simon’s Town once again. The pair of orcas were responsible for the death of a number of sharks. Their modus operandi, removing and consuming the shark’s liver, their curved dorsal fins and the fact that they are always spotted together is what garnered attention to the pair.
In May 2019, five dead broadnosed sevengill sharks washed ashore in Betty’s Bay and the culprits were believed to be Starboard and Port. Their presence has been blamed for the disappearance of great whites in the False Bay area.
Orcas are known to feed on sharks, the once-believed apex predator of the sea. The grim hunting strategy involves gripping the shark by its dorsal fins and tugging the animal until its throat and chest cavities split open, exposing the nutrient-rich liver.
The sighting of the two killer whales happened on 5 February at Seal Island. African Shark Eco-Charters happened to be in the right place at the right time and guests were treated to a brilliant sighting of the orcas. According to Nadine Bently from African Shark Eco-Charters, this is reportedly the second sighting in five months.
The presence of the killer whales has received conflicting reactions. Some residents are happy that the killer whales are in the bay, as this will scare off any great whites. Others are concerned as great whites play a vital role in the marine eco-system.
Image: Pexles
