Overview

• On August 4 at Asilomar State Beach, a sea lion lunged at nine-year-old Corale Olsen, inflicting puncture wounds and dragging her underwater during a surf camp session.
• Surf instructor Alex De Marignac carried Corale and her siblings to shore after the on-duty lifeguard did not intervene, and Corale was treated in the emergency room for bruising and wounds.
• Monterey District Chief Ranger Mike Dippel has launched an inquiry into why the lifeguard failed to respond and to evaluate beach rescue procedures.
• Marine mammal experts warn that domoic acid from toxic algal blooms can impair sea lion behavior, possibly increasing the risk of rare aggressive encounters.
• Corale Olsen is recuperating steadily and remains determined to return to surfing as officials review protocols for human-wildlife interactions.