Harpooned sea lion found after multiple day search in Ventura County

OXNARD, Calif. (KABC) -- A sea lion speared off the coast in Ventura County was captured and rushed to SeaWorld San Diego Tuesday, after marine and wildlife volunteers spent days looking for the animal.

Nearly a dozen rescue volunteers searched the waters for the sea lion, named Bubba, after concerned witnesses reported finding the injured 700-pound animal Saturday near the Chanel Islands Harbor.

Graphic photos show a harpooned sea lion laying down on a dock.

"It's unimaginable why someone would do this, but there's crazy people out there every day and we have to deal with it," said Samuel Dover with Channel Islands Marine & Wildlife Institute.

The sea lion was found Tuesday. Rescuers were able to sedate and pull the animal into a net. Dover cut out a long, hooked knife with a scalpel on the spot.

The wound "should be survivable and he will be released again," Dover said.

It was unclear who was responsible for the sea lion's injuries. Hurting marine life is a federal offense that could lead to a year in jail and a $10,000 fine.