The Brigitte Bardot - an anti-whaling protest boat now in danger in the Southern Ocean.
The vessel belonging to anti-whaling organisation, Sea Shepherd, issued a distress call after its hull was cracked by a rogue wave, about 1500 miles southwest of the Australian port of Fremantle.
Sea Shepherd founder Captain Paul Watson said rough conditions at sea caused the accident.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) SEA SHEPHERD CONSERVATION SOCIETY, CAPTAIN PAUL WATSON, SAYING:
"It's very unpredictable conditions down here in these very rough seas, and it was just a wave that hit them at the wrong angle at the wrong time. It can happen, but we've been down here for eight seasons. This is the first time this has happened, but we've always been prepared for these kind of weather conditions."
The Sea Shepherd's flag ship vessel the Steve Irwin is now fighting heavy seas to help rescue the damaged boat.
The Brigitte Bardot with its 10-man international crew was pursuing a Japanese factory ship when a wave slammed into its port side, cracking the hull.
The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society attempts to disrupt or stop the annual Japanese whale hunt in the Southern Ocean by using 'direct action'.
Sunita Rappai, Reuters