Monk seal rock attack suspect seeks airline records to defend charges

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Oct, 17:09 · Archive

A man accused of throwing a rock at an endangered Hawaiian monk seal is asking for Delta Air Lines in-flight videos as part of his legal defence.

Igor Mykhaylovych Lytvynchuk, 39, of Washington state, is accused of hurling a rock at an endangered Hawaiian monk seal near the shoreline in Lahaina, Maui on 5 May. Video footage shows him following the seal before throwing the large rock toward its head. The projectile reportedly missed the animal's nose, causing the seal to rear out of the water. Witnesses confronted him, and he allegedly responded that he was 'rich enough to pay the fines' before leaving.

Lytvynchuk faces federal charges under the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. His attorney, Myles Breiner, has claimed his client was trying to frighten the seal away from two protected turtles rather than harm it. The defence is now seeking records from Delta Air Lines covering Lytvynchuk's 28 April flight from Seattle to Maui before his scheduled 16 November trial.

Lytvynchuk's lawyers argue that Delta in-flight videos, wildlife advisories and passenger communications could shed light on his knowledge of Hawaii's protected animals. However, prosecutors state they have no evidence Delta showed educational videos comparable to Hawaiian Airlines' 'Travel Pono' programme, which educates passengers on respectful wildlife interaction.

How it is being reported

• Vile tourist filmed hurling rock at Hawaii monk seal suggests he should be cleared because Delta didn't show video on plane telling him not to interfere with wildlifeA Washington tourist who allegedly hurled a 'rock at a protected monk seal in Hawaii blames Delta Airlines for not informing him about the animal's protected status.Daily Mail · 14 Oct, 16:48
• Hawaii monk seal attack suspect could walk free as court filings reveal outrageous new excuseHis lawyers argue the material could shed light on what he knew about Hawaii’s protected animals before he allegedly hurled the rock.New York Post · 14 Oct, 01:48

In this story: Igor Mykhaylovych Lytvynchuk · Delta Air Lines · Lahaina · Maui · Hawaii

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