Fisherman bitten, pulled off boat by sea lion in Mission Bay

A 62-year-old man was bitten by a hungry sea lion Sunday afternoon and pulled into the water at Mission Bay.

The man was aboard his boat after a day of fishing and was posing for a picture with a “trophy fish,” according to San Diego lifeguards.

A sea lion leaped out of the water onto the boat railing and, while attempting to snatch the large fish, bit the man, pulling him into the water, according to the lifeguards.

The man, suffering several bites, was dragged to the bottom of the bay before he was able to get away and rise to the surface, where his companions pulled him aboard the boat.

He was taken to a hospital suffering from cuts to his hands and feet and from shock, according to the San Diego Fire and Rescue Department.

The incident occurred just as the boat was approaching the Hyatt Mission Bay Marina and was in water about 20 feet deep. Witnesses said the man was under water for 15 to 20 seconds.

Twitter: @LATsandiego