Yahoo News Part of San Francisco bay closed to swimmers after three people attacked by ‘aggressive’ sea lions
Part of San Francisco bay has been closed to swimmers after three people were bitten by sea lions in the space of a week.
Two people were left we serious wounds to the arm and groin after coming into contact with the animals in the water.
In response, the Californian city’s authorities closed down the Aquatic Park Cove, a popular swimming spot on the north of the bay’s waterfront, over the weekend.
The San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park tweeted: “The Aquatic Park Cove has been closed to swimming due to reports of an aggressive marine mammal biting swimmers in the area.”
On Friday morning a swimmer in his 60s, identified as Rick Mulvihill, was admitted to San Francisco General Hospital after receiving a “severe bite” to the groin.
The Aquatic Park Cove has been closed to swimming due to reports of an aggressive marine mammal biting swimmers in the area. The closure is scheduled until Monday, December 18, 2017.
— SF Maritime NHP (@SFMaritimeNPS) December 15, 2017
The San Francisco Chronicle reports that Mr Mulvihill is part of South End Rowing Club, a group dedicated to morning swims in the city’s bay.
Another member of the group, Bob Roper, 79, described Mr Mulvihill’s injury to the paper saying “it hit him right here, close to the family jewels,” and indicating to his upper thigh.
An eyewitness to the attack, Andrew Burrell told the KPIX 5 station: “A sea lion came up from underneath and grabbed him on the inside of his thigh.
“He came in shocked, he had a look in his face where he just wanted to get to the hospital.”
Friday’s attack came after another swimmer received a bite on his arm on Thursday afternoon and had to be rescued by a passing sailboat before also being treated in hospital.
Signs brought out by the Park Service - Aquatic Park Cove in SF closed to swimming through Monday due to multiple marine animal bites. pic.twitter.com/KoGfpDtoLq
— Christie Smith (@christies_nbc) December 15, 2017
Earlier in the week a third swimmer was also reported to have been bitten while in the water, but the injury was minor and did not require medical treatment.
It is unclear whether the same animal was involved in more than one of the attacks. Sea lions are generally seen as playful in nature, however they are territorial animals and can become aggressive if they feel threatened or are protecting their young.
San Francisco authorities are due to review the swimming ban on Monday.
