VIDEO: Orca vs. great white shark showdown, first-known solo attack by Orca

Two male orcas named Port and Starboard were identified as responsible for multiple fatal attacks on great whites along South Africa's Gansbaai coast
The image shows a great white shark, presumably dead after bein attacked by an orca. — Drone Fanatics SA
The image shows a great white shark, presumably dead after bein attacked by an orca. — Drone Fanatics SA

In a groundbreaking discovery, a lone orca has been witnessed hunting and consuming a great white shark for the first time ever. While orcas typically hunt in groups, this solitary act suggests a new hunting strategy emerging within the species.

Previously, two male orcas named Port and Starboard were identified as responsible for multiple fatal attacks on great whites along South Africa's Gansbaai coast. Distinctive bite wounds on eight shark carcasses, with missing livers, led scientists from the Dyer Island Conservation Trust (DICT) to pinpoint these orcas as the culprits.

Further observations in 2022 revealed a group of five orcas, including Starboard, cooperating to hunt down great whites. This behaviour, previously unseen in the other four orcas, hinted at the spread of predation tactics within the local orca community.

Orca vs. white shark video

Now, Starboard has returned to the spotlight. Recent photos and videos captured Starboard single-handedly hunting and devouring a juvenile great white, demonstrating a rapid shift from stalking to consumption in under two minutes.

The sighting challenges conventional beliefs about orca hunting behaviour and sheds new light on the species' predatory dynamics. Lead scientist Dr Alison Towner, affiliated with DICT and Rhodes University, describes the findings as groundbreaking, offering invaluable insights into killer whale behaviour.

This remarkable observation adds to the growing body of knowledge about orca predation, underscoring the complexity of marine ecosystems and the need for continued research and conservation efforts.

Why are orcas called killer whales?

Orcas are called "killer whales" due to their formidable hunting abilities and their tendency to prey on other marine mammals, including seals, sea lions, and sometimes even larger whales. The name "killer whale" originated from the term "whale killer," which was used by ancient sailors who witnessed orcas hunting and attacking larger whale species.

Over time, the term evolved into "killer whale." Despite their name, killer whales are actually members of the dolphin family and are highly intelligent and social animals.