Sea Lion Mugs Accountant, Steals Fish

Photo credit: Dan Carlin via The Guardian

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Look out.

Dan Carlin was posing as his wife Trish snapped a picture of him and his catch of the day off the California coast. What Trish captured was the exact instant a sea lion jumped out of the water and grabbed onto Carlin’s hand and yanked him and the fish under the water.

The 62-year-old accountant told the Associated Press that he was dragged 20 feet under water by the sea lion.

“After 15 seconds, I thought I was going to die,” Carlin said. “I continued to struggle, but thought this is the way I was going to die. It was unbelievable to me.”

As quickly as it happened, it was over. The sea lion released Carlin and he swam to the surface. But not before the sea lion bit his foot, puncturing a bone.

The gash on Carlins hand needed 20 stitches and he had to spend two days in the hospital.

Carlin said the experience showed just how dangerous sea lions can be. He added he is always careful of how he disposes of guts and carcasses so they don’t go in the water.

Check out the video from ABC News and the story from the Associated Press.