Federal Research Boat hits right whale off Massachusetts

A federal research vessel struck an endangered right whale just off the coast of Massachusetts, but officials said the injuries don't appear life threatening.

The vessel belongs to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the federal agency charged with protecting the species. The vessel hit the whale Sunday off Scituate (SIH'-choo-et).

NOAA spokesman David Miller said the whale surfaced about 10 feet in front of the boat, too late to avoid it.

Miller said the whale's left tail fluke was cut by the propeller. He said the Auk followed the animal for about 45 minutes and it appeared to be OK.

Ship strikes are the leading human cause of death of the North Atlantic right whale. There are only about 350 to 400 of the animals left in the world...