An American research vessel on a mission to study the feeding habits of humpback whales struck a highly endangered right whale off the coast of Massachusetts, USA. According to theDaily News Tribune, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shipAukhit the rare sea creature last weekend while returning to the port town of Scituate. Authorities said that the injuries to the whale did not appear to be life-threatening.

David Miller, a spokesman fro NOAA, said that the whale surfaced about 10 feet in front of the boat and could not be avoided. He said the whale’s left tail fluke was cut by the propeller.

Ship strikes are one of the leading causes of right whale deaths. Only about 350 North Atlantic right whales remain. NOAA recently reduced speed limits on some vessels, and officials are considering moving shipping lanes to protect the animal.