Southern right whale calf hit by boat at Stanwell Park, NSW
Video of the incident shows the southern right whale, which was with its mother, being hit by a small boat off Stanwell Park.
The impact of the collision knocked the three occupants of the boat off their feet.
Directly after the strike the calf can be seen diving deeper into the water to rest near its mother.
Michael Hatte, who filmed the incident, said he and his wife were observing the whales with a drone from the regulation 100-metre distance.
"I was absolutely shocked, I froze," he said.
The Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans (ORRCA), NSW Parks and Wildlife Service and members of the Right Whale ID program have been tracking the pair as they migrate north.
Mr Hatte continued to observe the calf for about five minutes after the incident and said it appeared to have escaped injury.
"The calf seemed fine. It didn't show signs of stress," he said.
"It went back beneath mum and was playing with seaweed again on the surface, so it looked totally unscathed."
ORRCA spokesperson Pip Jacobs said the whales were seen breaching in Sydney Harbour yesterday.
"Vessel strikes can be fatal … but we're pleased to confirm that mum and baby seem to be doing well," she said.
The southern right whale is an endangered species.
Between 250 and 300 individuals have been identified along the east coast, and larger populations along the West Coast.
The baby's mother sustained an injury from a vessel strike near Merimbula in July.
A southern right whale calf is believed to have died after being hit by a boat near Coffs Harbour earlier this year.
Ms Jacobs said the whales were vulnerable to boat strikes because they entered very shallow water and lacked a dorsal fin.
"These whales are particularly difficult to spot from the water, so they're often in the way of boats who don't know they're there," she said.
Ms Jacobs said boat users should be aware that the whales are in their migration season through to the end of August.
Boats must stay 100m from an adult and 300m from a calf.
Drones must maintain a height of at least 100m.
Ms Jacobs said the mother and baby looked as if they had recovered from their hardships.
"This pair has faced extraordinary challenges on their journey so far, but they appear to be doing well, which is not only great news for them but their species as well," she said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
ABC News
2 days ago
- ABC News
The 'village' creating safe havens for women, children fleeing domestic and family violence
For this mother and her two children who have farewelled a nearby refuge for their fresh start, they won't be walking into a barren home. It will be a sanctuary designed down to the finest detail for this Sydney trio who fled domestic and family violence. For the volunteers who have transformed the space within four hours, all they were told is this mother, 28, loves the colours black and green and finds peace in reading. Her daughter, seven, loves black and pink and enjoys craft and Hello Kitty toys. The son, five, loves black and red, Pokémon and gaming. For many in this predicament, they have left their former home with little more than the clothes on their backs, in search of safety. This home is just one of approximately 10 being decorated this week for a victim-survivor in Australia. The volunteers step in quietly and quickly to furnish the empty properties, converting them into fully functioning homes. Many leave with tears in their eyes. The RizeUp Homes program furnishes homes for those transitioning out of crisis situations across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia. For victim-survivors who have acquired a home via public housing, private rental or another option, RizeUp works with various organisations and governing bodies to turn these bare spaces into welcoming environments. It isn't just basic necessities like a bed and dining table — each set up is personalised. Specialist domestic and family violence services then assist in providing crisis support, case management and safety planning to the person or people in need. "We place the victim-survivor at the centre of every decision, especially when children are involved," said Ms Edwards. "We listen to what matters to them — their favourite colours, hobbies, the things that make them feel seen and safe — and we thoughtfully tailor each room so it reflects who they are. Whether it's a Paw Patrol doona cover or a desk to do schoolwork." It takes approximately $6,500 — via donations — to furnish each house, with more than 3,200 homes furnished over the years. For the RizeUp team who watch their volunteers set up the homes, from putting together flat-pack furniture to fluffing a smiley face pillow on a child's new bed, it is clear how moved they are. "Behind each of those homes is a real story. A mother longing for a moment of peace. A child who has seen too much," said Ms Edwards. "These aren't just numbers — they're families with hopes, fears and futures that deserve to be free from violence." Almost a decade ago, Margie* walked into her safe haven for the first time. Reflecting on that moment makes her emotional. In Margie's former marriage, there was a history of verbal, emotional, psychological and later physical abuse. Her catalyst for leaving was seeing the impact on her eldest child, who was experiencing "night terrors". With her three kids in tow and just one travel case, Margie sought the help of a domestic violence organisation in her local region. "They told me there was a charity that could help me restart, because when I left, I left with nothing." Upon entering her newly furnished home, one of her child's bedrooms was abundant with plush toys, another had a doll house and princess costumes. A bassinet lay in the corner of Margie's beautifully decorated bedroom. On the dining room table was a fruit bowl, with a handwritten sign that read: "Welcome home!" "It felt like, 'Wow, someone actually cares and believes in me'," she said. Chief executive officer of Domestic Violence NSW, Delia Donovan, said the state's wider housing system struggles to meet the needs of victim-survivors. "Women and their children are often expected to leave crisis accommodation after just three months, yet pathways into safe, stable housing are scarce and difficult to navigate. "Transitional housing is severely limited, social housing waitlists are over 10 years in some places and eligibility criteria is rigid." Ms Donovan acknowledged the impact of the cost of living crisis and restrictions with temporary visas. "Without long-term, stable housing options and properly funded wraparound support — including case management, legal help and trauma-informed care — there is no safe pathway forward," she said, urging for more government funding. With RizeUp's fundraising gala ball on August 2, Ms Edwards said it is a special time to reflect on their 10th anniversary and the "generosity of our village". "Every donation — no matter the size — helps us continue our work," she said. "It's a safe bed where new dreams can be made. A dining table to share the simple joys of connection. A pantry full of ingredients to nourish the soul. "To help create a space that says, 'You're safe now, you matter, you're not alone.' That's an extraordinary privilege." Ultimately, the ripple effect of support is lasting, noted Margie. "I couldn't have set up a new life the way I have without a helping hand. "I've got a new husband, who's so supportive and loving and extra kids to add to the mix." Now with her lived-experience at hand, Margie is helping other victim-survivors with post-traumatic growth. "You might feel isolated, but there are services and survivors on the other side that hear you." *Names have been changed for safety reasons.
The Advertiser
3 days ago
- The Advertiser
Dolphin calf reunited with mum after dramatic rescue from fishing wire
A distressed baby dolphin has been reunited with its mum after it was entangled in braided fishing line. The bottlenose dolphin calf was first spotted in mid-June on the NSW south coast, prompting an emergency response to save the mammal. A coordinated multi-agency rescue operation was led by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), the Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans (ORRCA) and Sea World Foundation. READ MORE: 'The best is still yet to come': unlikely political duo announce pregnancy A spokesperson for ORRCA said drone operators spotted the mum and calf just off Mckenzies Beach in Malua Bay near Batemans Bay on July 24. "Sea World Foundation team managed to catch the calf and successfully remove the entanglement," an ORRCA spokesperson said. READ MORE: What makes a song 'Australian'? Triple J's Hottest 100 reignites bigger question Bottlenose dolphins are named for their thick snout, are generally grey in colour and are found in temperate and tropical waters. A distressed baby dolphin has been reunited with its mum after it was entangled in braided fishing line. The bottlenose dolphin calf was first spotted in mid-June on the NSW south coast, prompting an emergency response to save the mammal. A coordinated multi-agency rescue operation was led by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), the Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans (ORRCA) and Sea World Foundation. READ MORE: 'The best is still yet to come': unlikely political duo announce pregnancy A spokesperson for ORRCA said drone operators spotted the mum and calf just off Mckenzies Beach in Malua Bay near Batemans Bay on July 24. "Sea World Foundation team managed to catch the calf and successfully remove the entanglement," an ORRCA spokesperson said. READ MORE: What makes a song 'Australian'? Triple J's Hottest 100 reignites bigger question Bottlenose dolphins are named for their thick snout, are generally grey in colour and are found in temperate and tropical waters. A distressed baby dolphin has been reunited with its mum after it was entangled in braided fishing line. The bottlenose dolphin calf was first spotted in mid-June on the NSW south coast, prompting an emergency response to save the mammal. A coordinated multi-agency rescue operation was led by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), the Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans (ORRCA) and Sea World Foundation. READ MORE: 'The best is still yet to come': unlikely political duo announce pregnancy A spokesperson for ORRCA said drone operators spotted the mum and calf just off Mckenzies Beach in Malua Bay near Batemans Bay on July 24. "Sea World Foundation team managed to catch the calf and successfully remove the entanglement," an ORRCA spokesperson said. READ MORE: What makes a song 'Australian'? Triple J's Hottest 100 reignites bigger question Bottlenose dolphins are named for their thick snout, are generally grey in colour and are found in temperate and tropical waters. A distressed baby dolphin has been reunited with its mum after it was entangled in braided fishing line. The bottlenose dolphin calf was first spotted in mid-June on the NSW south coast, prompting an emergency response to save the mammal. A coordinated multi-agency rescue operation was led by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), the Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans (ORRCA) and Sea World Foundation. READ MORE: 'The best is still yet to come': unlikely political duo announce pregnancy A spokesperson for ORRCA said drone operators spotted the mum and calf just off Mckenzies Beach in Malua Bay near Batemans Bay on July 24. "Sea World Foundation team managed to catch the calf and successfully remove the entanglement," an ORRCA spokesperson said. READ MORE: What makes a song 'Australian'? Triple J's Hottest 100 reignites bigger question Bottlenose dolphins are named for their thick snout, are generally grey in colour and are found in temperate and tropical waters.
ABC News
22-07-2025
- ABC News
Rocket launch demonstration off Jervis Bay shows military might as part of Talisman Sabre
Japanese forces have fired their most advanced anti-ship missiles off the coast of New South Wales for a second time as part of a military training exercise involving a record 19 countries. Japan's Self-Defense Force (JSDF) first conducted a live fire demonstration of Type 12 surface-to-ship missile at a weapons range in Jervis Bay during exercise Talisman Sabre, 2023. This time around, they had more to show. "Last time it was about proving we could fire the missile in the Southern Hemisphere just to ensure the range apparatus and the safety mechanisms," Talisman Sabre exercise director Brigadier Damian Hill said. "The Japanese have [today] fired two sea-skimming missiles moving 10 to 15 miles as the crow flies, about 70 miles through different types of terrain. "Both missiles fired with different trajectories and hit the target at the same time." Brigadier Hill said the JSDF had brought a level of sophistication the defence force had not seen from the Japanese military before. Talisman Sabre is Australia's largest military exercise and is designed to show military strength and a commitment to peace and protection in the Indo–Pacific region. It started as a bilateral partnership between the United States and has grown to involve 19 countries and more than 40,000 personnel. For the first time this year, Papua New Guinea has joined. Brigadier Hill said the Australian and Japanese forces had strengthened defence ties since their involvement with Talisman Sabre as an observer back in 2017. "There are over 1,500 Japanese personnel here undertaking the live firing," he said. While Chinese surveillance ships have again monitored the activities of Talisman Sabre, Brigadier Hill said the exercise was not about sending a military warning to specific countries. The 11th iteration of the three-week Talisman Sabre has been running across north-eastern parts of Australia, including for the first time at Christmas Island, and is expected to finish next week. Brigadier Hill said the exercise involved training against potential threats on air, land and water as well as cyber and space. He said, for the first time, Australia launched its own HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems) able to reach up to 400 kilometres. This happened alongside the US and Singapore forces during training in Queensland last week. "I think it's demonstrating our ability to modernise at speed," Brigadier Hill said. "Our HIMARS arrived in Australia earlier this year and we've got proficient crews and capacities to live fire within months. "I think that shows a little bit about how fast we're modernising."
