The tourist who evoked anger online after throwing a rock at a beloved seal in Hawaii now finds himself in deeper trouble.
Last week, footage emerged of the man in question hurling a rock at the poor creature on a beach in Lahaina, Maui.
The Hawaii Department of Natural Resources explained that the incident – involving an endangered monk seal – occurred earlier this month on May 5. The seal was later identified as “Lani”, a popular figure for the local community and a symbol of the island’s resolve in the wake of the 2023 Lahaina wildfires.
The tourist who threw the rock quickly faced judgement at the hands of one of the locals, who reportedly assaulted the man.
Authorities have since identified the perpetrator as one Igor Mykhaylovych Lytvynchuk, with an updating claiming he was responsible for the incident.
And if a beating from a bystander and the ire of thousands online wasn’t enough, Lytvynchuk is now facing further, arguably more serious punishment.
Following a statement from the United States Attorney’s Office, Lytvynchuk has been charged in connection with the incident.
“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.
Lytvynchuk will also be looking at a term of supervised release, and face 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.
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.”
He finished: “We pledge that those who harass and attempt to harm our protected wildlife will face rapid accountability in federal court.”
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