Are speculations linking ‘Orca’ responsible for missing submarine at Titanic wreckage site true?

Speculation has been circulating on the internet suggesting that orcas, also known as killer whales, might be responsible for the disappearance of the submersible that was headed to the Titanic wreckage site in the North Atlantic Ocean. Some people drew connections between reports of orcas playing with fishing boats and wondered if they orchestrated the submersible’s disappearance.

The submersible, named Titan, vanished on June 18 while conducting a deep-sea expedition to the wreckage site, with five crew members on board. As the search-and-rescue operation commenced, theories emerged implicating killer whales. However, experts have debunked this theory, emphasizing that it is false and detrimental to the reputation of orcas.

Wait, weren’t they just telling us about the orcas tormenting fishing boats for fun?!?? I bet those silly killer whales grabbed this submarine and have been playing with it the whole damn time!! #MissingSub #Titanic

— MMegan (@MMegan79) June 20, 2023

Andrew Trites, Director of the Marine Mammal Research Unit, explained that while orcas inhabit the North Atlantic Ocean, their diving depth does not exceed 100 meters, whereas the Titanic wreckage site lies approximately 4,000 meters below the surface. Consequently, the speculation about killer whales causing the submersible’s disappearance is unfounded.

no way the orcas are attacking boats and 2 days later this submersible thing happens

— yung dad (@bitterdepasq) June 20, 2023

Despite the lack of evidence, social media users took to Twitter to humorously mention killer whales as possible culprits, jokingly suggesting that they were holding the billionaires inside the submersible hostage.

Are the orcas have a titanic time with that submersible?

— steven THEE burro (@steventuality) June 20, 2023

The inaccurate speculation regarding orcas stems from incidents involving a pod of orcas from the Strait of Gibraltar, which have been associated with the sinking of three ships. However, Andrew Trites clarified that this particular pod could not be involved in the Titan submersible’s disappearance.

Some people are saying that the orcas could help find the billionaire's submersible…

— Tweetmonger™️ (@DwayneFuhlhage) June 20, 2023

Trites pointed out that the sinking of ships by orcas is specific to the pod off the coasts of Portugal and Spain, and these orcas do not interact with other pods. Therefore, it is highly unlikely for other orca clans to independently develop the behavior of sinking boats.

Furthermore, Trites highlighted the stark difference in building materials between submersibles and sailboats. Submersibles are constructed using materials that can withstand the immense pressure of deep-sea dives, making them resistant to damage or sinking by marine animals. In contrast, sailboats, commonly made of fiberglass, are more susceptible to damage due to their fragile nature.

While experts have refuted the speculation about killer whales’ involvement in the submersible’s disappearance, they express concerns about the negative impact on the orcas’ reputation. They worry that these theories, suggesting orcas intentionally damage marine vessels for amusement, could lead to tragic consequences and instill an unwarranted fear of these majestic creatures.

Monika Wieland, Director of the Orca Behavior Institute, expressed her concern about media coverage bordering on hysteria, which may cause people to develop an irrational fear of orcas. She emphasized that, apart from the small population near the Strait of Gibraltar, orcas have no interest in interacting with vessels of any kind.

Did you know that juvenile orcas are able to swim from the moment they are born, but they are totally dependent on nursing their mothers’ milk for one to two years?

📸: Monika Wieland Shields

— Oceana (@oceana) April 19, 2018

Andrew Trites echoed Wieland’s concerns and urged people not to hastily blame orcas for every mysterious occurrence in the ocean.