Sea lion found impaled with spear in Ventura County dies from injury

SAN DIEGO (KABC) -- The sea lion found impaled with a spear in Oxnard has died despite an all-out effort to save him.

Teams at SeaWorld San Diego gave the sea lion, nicknamed Bubba, round-the-clock care and put him on antibiotics. He was offered fish, but he would not eat and became increasingly lethargic. Officials said he died during an exam on Wednesday.

Bubba was spotted in the Channel Islands Harbor last month with a spear in his side. Rescuers were able to capture him and vets surgically removed the spear.

Sea World officials said the spear penetrated approximately 6 centimeters in the sea lion's side, which caused a significant infection.

The search continues for whoever is responsible.

Hurting marine life is a federal offense that could lead to a year in jail and a $10,000 fine.