Teen Surfer Attacked by a Sea Lion

13 yr old surfer, Ella Murphy, was attacked by a sea lion while surfing behind a speedboat off the west coast of Australia.

File this one under "ouch." While Ella Murphy was being towed on a surfboard behind a speedboat, a sea lion jumped out of the water and hit her head on. Marine scientist Grant Willis said the attack may have been an attempt by the sea lion to "play" with the girl, but contends that it is unusual behavior. While territorial, sea lions aren't prone to attacking out of the water. Whatever brought on the attack, the girl was left with a broken jaw, which required surgery, and 3 missing teeth. She's in stable condition. I can't imagine having an 800+ lb animal leap out of the ocean and attack me. I think this girl is lucky to be alive -- a sea lion could have very easily killed her.