A protected whale was struck by a fishing boat while swimming in busy waters near a popular whale-watching hotspot off China's southern coast.
The dramatic collision happened off Weizhou Island in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on February 7, an area that has become a major tourist draw for visitors hoping to spot the rare marine mammals.
Drone footage captured by tourists shows the Bryde's whale surfacing to breathe and spouting water several times as whale-watching boats lingered nearby, either idling or keeping their distance.
Moments later, a fishing vessel is seen ploughing through the area without slowing down, passing directly over the whale's back.
Images taken after the incident revealed a long white scar stretching across the animal's back, sparking concern among conservationists and marine researchers.
Officials confirmed the vessel involved was registered as Weizhou 0008 and had completed the required departure reporting procedures before leaving port.
According to an official statement, the boat's owner departed Nanwan Port at around 6am to lay shrimp nets roughly three nautical miles offshore and was returning to port at about 3.30pm when the collision occurred around one nautical mile from the island.
Authorities said the design of the vessel meant the bow rises while travelling, limiting the captain's forward visibility.
The dramatic collision happened off Weizhou Island in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on February 7
Dramatic footage saw a fishing vessel ploughing through the area without slowing down
The Chinese fishing boat then passes over the whale's back at speed
Images taken after the incident revealed a long white scar stretching across the animal's back, sparking concern among conservationists and marine researchers
The boat owner reportedly spotted the whale only when it was less than 32ft away and was unable to brake or manoeuvre in time to avoid impact.
Researchers from Nanjing Normal University, who have been monitoring Bryde's whales around Weizhou Island for years, identified the injured animal as WZ-056 by cross-checking long-term records.
They said the whale sustained a white wound measuring around 19in to 23in on the right side of its back.
Experts cited by officials said the injury was unlikely to cause serious harm, and follow-up monitoring over the next two days showed the whale continuing normal activity in local waters.
Bryde's whales are listed as a first-class nationally protected species in China, and Weizhou Island has been home to a stable population for several years.
Continuous monitoring since 2018 has identified more than 70 individuals, described as the world's largest nearshore small Bryde's whale population.
Whale watching has surged in popularity in the area, with up to 2,300 visitors a day reported to take part.
The industry generated around £24million in tourism revenue in 2025.
Authorities reminded vessels at sea to maintain a proper lookout, slow down and steer clear of whales when they are sighted to prevent further incidents.