New Zealand officials have reminded whalers and protesters in Antarctic waters that they need to take responsibility for their own safety.
The anti-whaling group Sea Shepherd and the crew on a Japanese whaling ship are blaming each other for a collision on Friday night, off the coast of the Australian Antarctic territory.
The Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully says it is not easy to get help to such an inhospitable area if someone is hurt. He says people have to take responsibility for their safety, plus the safety of others, in the region.
Mr McCully warned whalers and protesters last month that it would be difficult to mount a quick rescue if anyone gets lost or hurt.
