US3 min(s) read
Published 09:07 14 May 2026 GMT
A tourist who received criticism for throwing a rock at an endangered seal in Hawaii has now found himself in more trouble.
Just this week, footage was posted online showing a man launching a rock at the sea creature while at a beach in Lahaina, Maui.
According to the Hawaii Department of Natural Resources, the incident involving the endangered monk seal took place on May 5.
It was later revealed that the seal was identified as 'Lani,' a friend of the local community and a symbol of the island's resilience after the brutal 2023 Lahaina wildfires.
As residents loved the seal, it was unsurprising that one took matters into his own hands and decided to punish the tourist himself.
The local could later be seen beating the tourist in response to his actions.
Authorities have revealed the perpetrator to be Igor Mykhaylovych Lytvynchuk, as an update revealed that he was responsible for the incident.
Lytvynchuk has been charged in connection with the incident, following a statement from the United States Attorney's Office.
It read: "United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that Igor Mykhaylovych Lytvynchuk, 38, of Covington, Washington, was charged by criminal complaint on May 12, 2026, for harassing and attempting to harass an endangered Hawaiian monk seal by throwing a large rock at the seal’s head, in violation of the Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act.
"Lytvynchuk was arrested today, May 13, 2026, near Seattle, Washington, by Special Agents of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
"Lytvynchuk is currently in custody and is scheduled for an initial appearance on these charges in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington (Seattle courthouse) on May 14, 2026, at 9 AM."
The criminal complaint revealed that the tourist had been tracking the monk seal's movements as she approached the shore while playing with a floating log.
Lytvynchuk then allegedly threw a large rock towards the seal, with the rock just missing her head and startling her, as witnesses reported that she appeared to be immobile shortly afterwards.
The report then detailed that after being confronted, Lytvynchuk told them that he was 'rich enough to pay the fines,' before walking away.
If the tourist is convicted, he will face up to one year for each charge of harassing and attempting to harass an endangered Hawaiian monk seal.
There will also be a term of supervised release, while also facing a fine of up to $50,000 under the Endangered Species Act and another fine of up to $20,000 under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
The US Attorney Ken Sorenson explained: "The unique and precious wildlife of the Hawaiian Islands are renowned symbols of Hawaii’s special place in the world and its incredible biodiversity.
"We are committed to protecting our vulnerable wild species, in particular endangered Hawaiian monk seals, like Lani."
"We pledge that those who harass and attempt to harm our protected wildlife will face rapid accountability in federal court," he concluded.
