The Japanese see things differently.

Japan's Fisheries Agency says the collision took place when the Ady Gil suddenly slowed down in front of Shanan Maru. The Japanese ship warned the boat of impending danger.

The Japanese government says the Sea Shepherd's obstruction imposed grave danger to the life and property of Japan's scientific whaling mission, and did not exclude a possibility of classifying further actions by the Sea Shepherd as piracy.

Akira Gunji, Japanese Environmental Official, said, "We have been asking for self-restraint from the countries and making protests against organizations. But, if such actions threaten life and property, we think we may need to think of having more discussion about the matter."

Many countries are strongly against Commercial whaling. Commercial whaling was banned under a 1986 treaty. But Japan continues to cull whales, saying it is for Scientific research purposes.