Update after tourist got beat up for throwing rock at beloved seal

A US tourist who was filmed chucking a rock at a seal on a beach in Hawaiʻi has been arrested.

Earlier this week, footage showing a man hurling a large rock towards a seal at a beach in Lahaina, Maui, circulated online. It's believed the incident occurred on 5 May, according to the Hawaii Department of Natural Resources.

The seal was later identified as ‘Lani’, an endangered monk seal who is beloved by locals and seen as a symbol of the island's resilience following the devastating Lahaina wildfires in 2023.

So it should come as no surprise that residents were outraged by the man's alleged actions, with one local later seen pummelling the tourist in retribution.

The man has now been identified as Igor Mykhaylovych Lytvynchuk, with an update in the situation revealing that he has been charged in connection with the incident.

According to a press release shared by the United States Attorney's Office, Lytvynchuk, who is from the state of Washington, was arrested yesterday (13 May) in Seattle by Special Agents.

The 38-year-old has been charged with harassing and attempting to harass an endangered Hawaiian monk seal, in violation of the Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act.

He is scheduled to appear in court today.

According to a criminal complaint filed against Lytvynchuk, he was tracking the movements of Lani as she floated close to the shoreline and played with a log floating in the sea.

He is then alleged to have thrown the large rock towards her. The rock narrowly missed her head and startled her, causing Lani to jump up out of the water. Witnesses at the scene reported that Lani appeared to be immobile after the incident, causing concern for her welfare.

When confronted by locals, Lytvynchuk allegedly told them that he was 'rich enough to pay the fines' before walking away.

"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," said U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson said of the situation.

"We pledge that those who harass and attempt to harm our protected wildlife will face rapid accountability in federal court."

If convicted, Lytvynchuk could face a one-year prison sentence for each charge as well as a term of supervised release and fines of up to $50,000 and $20,000 under the Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act.