Sun-Loving Seal Pup Decides To Hitch Ride With LA County Sheriff's Deputy Boat Operators

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Why swim when you can take a boat?

That seemed to be the thinking of two young seal pups who on Thursday decided to hitch a ride on a LA County Sheriff's Deputy boat rather than actually swim across Marina del Rey.

The two boat operators -- Timothy Nancarrow and Matt Schwabe -- figured the pups also wanted a cool place to get some sun.

Deputy Nancarrow related the story of the pup visit on Friday. "At approximately 8:00 a.m. yesterday, Deputy Schwabe and I were dispatched to our impound dock to check on one of the impounds that appeared to be sinking. When we looked on board we found two seal pups huddled together. We called the Marine Mammal Rescue to respond and evaluate the two seals. Marine Mammal Rescue decided the smaller of the two needed treatment and was able to catch him."

While attempting to catch the smaller one, the larger of the two decided to jump onto the deputy's patrol vessel. "Since he looked comfortable sunning himself we decided not to disturb him any further. We let him stay on board and ride back to the station with us," Nancarrow said.

After they arrived, a couple walking along the Fisherman's Village boardwalk inquired about the seal pup and asked if it had a name.

"We told them they could name him. They named him 'Alex.' Alex was last spotted on our station dock yesterday afternoon. He left sometime during the night," said Nancarrow.

No word on how the other pup is doing.