Update after tourist who hurled rock at beloved seal in Hawaii was beaten up

“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,” the statement reads.

“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.”

As per the criminal complaint, Lytvynchuk had been tracking the monk seal’s movements as she drew close to the shore while playing with a floating log.

Lytvynchuk proceeded to throw a rock at the seal, which only narrowly missed her head. Witnesses claimed that she appeared to be immobile shortly afterwards.

When confronted, Lytvynchuk showed no remorse, instead telling people he was “rich enough to pay the fines,” before walking away.

Now, however, it seems as though he might pay dearly for his actions. If convicted, the tourist faces up to one year for each charge of harassing and attempting to harass an endangered Hawaiian monk seal.