An effort in Oregon to use a fake killer whale to scare off sea lions went awry Thursday when the motorized boat capsized on the way to the docks where the animals gather.
The fiberglass watercraft named "Island" was launched near the port in Astoria in a bid to chase away sea lions that crowd docks and eat salmon that commercial fishers are trying to catch, NBC affiliate KGW reported. There were no injuries reported.
Orcas are a predator of sea lions, and it is hoped the contraption will convince them to find less threatening places to lounge. The vehicle spouts water and is equipped with speakers that play sounds of whales on the hunt, the station reported.
Engine troubles delayed Thursday's launch, and once underway the boat took on water and tipped over, KGW reported. It was towed away and the effort was called off for the day. It could resume Friday.
