Seal Overturns Angler’s Kayak and Steals Mackerel Buffet
OutdoorHub Reporters 07.26.13
A kayak angler fishing near the town of Hartlepool, England found out firsthand that seals can not be only cunning, but devious as well. The angler, who wishes to remain anonymous, had caught about 20 mackerel and was holding the fish in a net when a seal bumped the kayak, tipping it over. According to independent.ie, the kayak flipped over and dumped the man into the water.
Taking advantage of the angler’s confusion, the seal then absconded with the net and the fish inside. Presumably the angler was injured during the commotion as he required the rescue services of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).
“He was tired and appeared a bit disorientated,” said RNLI crew member Ken Hay.
The man was pulled from the water and given a quick check-up by rescue personnel before being taken to a nearby beach. He did not require hospital care. Seals and sea lions are inquisitive creatures and tend to flock to kayakers, sometimes in the hope of a free meal. Wildlife experts advise against feeding these animals when fishing as it takes away their fear of humans. Although seals and sea lions are strong enough to overturn kayaks, such events are rare.
The video below shows such an incident, with a sea lion pestering a group of kayak fishermen for food off California’s coast.
