Japanese whalers on Thursday clashed with animal rights activists, including a Canadian, attempting to prevent them from harvesting their catch in the Antarctic Ocean.
Japan has officially decried the collision as "appalling and unforgivable."
The radical Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, however, claims the collision occurred when a Japanese whaling vessel attempted to run a blockade set up by the society's ship, the Steve Irwin.
According to a statement on the group's website, the ship was blocking two harpoon vessels from taking two dead whales to the larger Nisshin Maru ship.
"We told them to not continue their illegal whaling operations and that we would be blocking the stern slipway of the factory ship," said Capt. Paul Watson of the Steve Irwin, in a statement.
"They decided to test our resolve and apparently expected us to retreat when they charged in ahead of us to make the transfer."
One of the whaling vessels collided with the Irwin, and in the ensuing milieu the whalers unleashed water cannons as well as an acoustic weapons system typically used to deter pirates, the website claims.
Pieces of metal and golf balls were also allegedly thrown at the activists.
"I was dazed by the sonic blasts being used on us at close range," Watson said. "I have to admit it was difficult to concentrate with that device being focused on us."
A Canadian activist who is also aboard the ship agreed.
"I've never felt anything quite like it," Toronto's Emily Hunter said in the release.
"It penetrates the body and you can feel your muscles vibrating. It made me dizzy and left me somewhat dazed."
The Japanese government-affiliated Institute of Cetacean Research condemned the activists' actions, calling the clash a "deliberate ramming."
Shigeki Takaya, a spokesperson for Japan's fisheries agency, called on Australia and other nations to prevent the activists from interfering, and said the clash was "appalling and unforgivable."
The society believes the Japanese whale hunt contravenes international laws that ban minke and fin whale harvesting for all but research purposes.
Japan plans to harvest 935 minke and 50 fin whales this year, claiming the hunt is for research purposes only.
Commercial whaling was internationally banned in 1986. Critics, including the Sea Shepherd Society, say the Japanese are using research expeditions as a cover to continue whaling for commercial purposes.
