Overview

• Corale Olsen, 9, suffered puncture wounds and bruises after a sea lion lunged at her leg and dragged her underwater during surf camp at Asilomar State Beach.
• Surf instructor Alex De Marignac rushed to carry Olsen and her two siblings safely to shore before flagging down a lifeguard.
• California Department of Parks and Recreation Monterey District Chief Ranger Mike Dippel said the department only learned of the incident through news reports and is determining why the on-duty lifeguard remained in a tower during the attack.
• Marine Mammal Center spokesperson Giancarlo Rulli said rare sea lion aggression can stem from territorial behavior or neurotoxic effects of domoic acid produced by harmful algal blooms.
• Olsen is recovering after emergency treatment and says she will return to surfing despite the ordeal.