Anti-whaling boat, the Steve Irwin, has come under fire from water cannons on Japanese whaling ship in the Southern Ocean.
The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society said the Shonan Mari No 2 had fired water cannons at the Steve Irwin and threatened the crew with legal action.
The Steve Irwin has been following the Shonan Mari No 2 for 11 days to try to stop it hunting whales.
Skipper Paul Watson said the Japanese harpoon vessel was engaging in "some very bizarre activities" firing water cannons, while broadcasting a warning message.
He said his crew had returned the fire.
There had been no injuries.
