The enduring question that has intrigued many minds, especially after watching films like Free Willy and Jaws, revolves around the hypothetical battle between a killer whale and a great white shark.

Despite both creatures carrying a formidable reputation underwater, orcas, or killer whales, stand out as top predators in the ocean, effortlessly handling almost anything that crosses their path.

In a captivating video filmed by National Geographic as part of the Queens series, the moment unfolds when a lone killer whale, identified as Sophie, a 60-year-old grandmother whale, takes on a solitary great white off the coast of South Africa.

The footage showcases Sophie skillfully stalking through the water, hunting for lunch, when a great white shark unexpectedly surfaces. Seizing the element of surprise, the massive whale stealthily approaches its unsuspecting prey, delivering a powerful blow before the shark has a chance to comprehend the situation.

Sophie charges at the great white, trapping it in her massive jaws, seemingly dragging it to the depths for a meal.

This remarkable footage has made waves in the animal world, demonstrating that killer whales, known for their pack hunting, can adeptly strike without the support of their fellow orcas.

Marine biology professor Chris Lowe explains that the great white shark had little chance in this encounter, highlighting the orca’s intelligence and power. Orcas typically travel in pods, combining their skills to capture large prey, while great white sharks often navigate the underwater realm alone.

Lowe emphasizes that this incident might be an anomaly, challenging the perception that great white sharks are the ultimate ocean predators when, in fact, orcas hold that title.

In another astonishing video, a killer whale nicknamed ‘Starboard’ was filmed off the coast of Mossel Bay in South Africa, swiftly taking out an 8.2ft-long great white shark in just two minutes, carrying the shark’s liver in its mouth. These instances underscore the remarkable capabilities of killer whales in their interactions with great white sharks, revealing the complex dynamics of the ocean’s top predators.