⏱ 2 min read
Igor Mykhaylovych Lytvynchuk, a 38-year-old man from Washington, was observed and filmed on May 5, 2026, walking along the shoreline in the Lahaina area of Maui, tracking the movements of a Hawaiian monk seal known as Lani. He then picked up a large rock, took aim, and threw it directly at Lani’s head, narrowly missing her nose and startling her. The incident occurred as Lani was playfully pushing a floating log close to the shoreline. Lytvynchuk’s actions sparked concern over Lani’s welfare, and he was arrested on May 13, 2026, near Seattle, Washington.
The rock-throwing incident was witnessed by several people, who immediately confronted Lytvynchuk and told him they had contacted law enforcement. Lytvynchuk reportedly responded that he was rich enough to pay the fines, before walking away. Lani remained largely immobile for an extended period of time after the incident, causing concern over her welfare.
Lytvynchuk was charged by criminal complaint on May 12, 2026, for harassing and attempting to harass an endangered Hawaiian monk seal, in violation of the Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act. He faces up to one year in prison for each charge, plus a term of supervised release, and fines of up to $50,000 under the Endangered Species Act and $20,000 under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
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 on May 14, 2026. The case is being handled by the United States Attorney’s Office, with assistance from Special Agents of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
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📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Violent Crime
- Defendant: Hawaii
- Location: HI
- Source: DOJ Press Release
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