A 60-year-old elementary school teacher and her husband were vacationing in Hawaii’s Waikiki. It was the perfect setting for a short getaway to reconnect with nature.
But when the schoolteacher dove into the water, she made a terrible error that transformed this idyllic getaway into the worst nightmare imaginable. She was unaware of the danger in front of her and could not notice it.
Rocky, a Hawaiian monk seal, frequents Kaimana Beach and is a favorite among Waikiki locals. Since she was regarded as one of Hawaii’s endangered species, their affection is accompanied by respect and protection.
They were aware that securing the area where Rocky frequently eats or nurses her pup was the right thing to do when she gave birth. To safeguard people, the local government and other groups have built barriers in the water and implemented various laws.
Hawaii Marine Animal Response and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration kept a close eye on this mother and young pair while they were in their waters. They gave a warning for people to avoid them. People were told not to approach too closely since the shoreline where they typically stay was roped off.
The teacher was unaware that Rocky and her pup were staying with her and her husband close to the sea. She proceeded through the roped-off area, put on her swim hat, and submerged herself.
The people were shouting at her and directing her to swim away, but she didn’t hear or see them.
When Rocky noticed a nearby human, she immediately went into full attack mode, but it was too late.
The schoolteacher yelled for help and tried to escape, but the mother seal pulled her under the water and, according to some witnesses, bit her head once or twice.
Fortunately, a group of spectators on a boat approached her to block her off the seal during an agitated moment. After bringing her to the water’s edge, they called 911. Her arm, face, and back were all lacerated.
According to the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, there is a significant fine for disrupting protected places and wildlife. They did not suggest any charges or punishment for this incident, though. The 60-year-old schoolteacher was also kept anonymous because she requested it.
Everyone agreed that the seal was not to blame for this tragedy. The seal’s instinct as a mother was to defend her pup. It was a regrettable situation, but it serves as a possible warning to everyone to always inquire about or familiarize themselves with the area they are visiting before entering it.