Joshua Phillips took his boat out for a trip in Puget Sound off the coast of Washington a few days ago, and he saw something he didn’t expect: a couple of massive sea lions that had the same idea.
The scientific explanation is that they were likely out for a swim when they decided to rest, and the poor boat, which was so little in comparison to their size, looked like a good spot.
And, based on the appearance of the boat, it wasn’t built to carry such loads. Sea lions may grow to be 11 feet (3.25 meters) long and weigh about 2,500 pounds (1120 kg).
Phillips couldn’t believe what he was seeing, but he managed to record the following scene.
According to one version, a third sea lion attempted to board the boat but was refused by his two companions. The boat would very probably sink at that point.
People who live near sea lions say it’s pretty uncommon to see them jump aboard boats for a break, and that they occasionally sink them.