Drone footage has captured the moment a speedboat struck an endangered southern right whale calf off the New South Wales coast, throwing three boaters from their seats and renewing calls for greater marine safety awareness.
The collision occurred on Sunday near Stanwell Park, south of Sydney, when the boat drove directly over the young whale. The three occupants, who were not wearing life jackets, were thrown forward on impact.
Photographer Michael Hatte witnessed the incident while filming the mother and calf from his drone. “It was absolutely horrific,” he told reporters. “I watched the boat get closer and closer, and realised there was nothing I could do to stop them.”
The calf’s mother had also been struck by a vessel several weeks earlier, though both whales appear to be recovering well.
Expert Warning During Migration Season
Whale scientist Dr Vanessa Pirotta described the incident as a reminder for boaters to remain vigilant during the May to November migration period.
“This is an opportunity to send vessels a friendly reminder to keep an eye out,” she said. “People aren’t intentionally wanting to do it. Sometimes it just happens.”
Southern right whales can be difficult to spot as they lack dorsal fins and often cruise just below the water surface, particularly when accompanied by young calves.
Strict Regulations and Penalties
NSW maritime laws require boats to maintain a minimum distance of 100 metres from whales, increasing to 300 metres when calves are present. Violations carry on-the-spot fines of $1,320 for individuals and $3,300 for commercial operators.
Experts recommend boaters watch for whale breathing spouts and reduce speed during migration season. Southern right whales remain endangered despite population recovery efforts following decades of commercial whaling.
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