A free diver screamed for help, resulting in a water rescue by San Diego lifeguards. The diver chose not to be taken to a hospital.
A free diver sustained a marine mammal bite and screamed for help, leading to a large response by San Diego lifeguards March 17 about a quarter mile off the coast of South Casa Beach.
At 11:40 am, lajolla.ca heard the screams while covering an unrelated incident at the same location on Coast Boulevard. A San Diego Police officer also on scene heard the cries for help as well, alerting San Diego lifeguards.
Three lifeguards began swimming out to the free diver in distress, while a fourth on a jet ski approached from the north.
Lifeguards determined the free diver had been bitten by a sea lion or harbor seal, according to SD Fire-Rescue spokesperson Monica Munoz.
The diver, at times sitting upright on the jet ski, was transported to the La Jolla Shores boat launch for further evaluation; he chose not to be transported to a hospital.
The free diver caught a fish, which may have been a reason for the bite, Munoz said.
© lajolla.ca
