NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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Members of the Southern Georgian Bay OPP Detachment were dispatched to Wye Heritage Marina, Tay Township after marina staff noted an individual operating a large sailboat under power within the marina who appeared to be in distress.
The vessel, despite the efforts of staff, struck several vessels and was eventually secured at a dock within the marina.
Officers and Simcoe County Paramedics arrived at approximately 1:42 p.m. July 5, 2023, and upon speaking with the lone operator, entered into an impaired operation investigation. The operator was also transported to an area hospital by paramedics for treatment of minor injuries because of the vessel collisions.
As a result of this investigation, Earl Charles Hopkins, 60, of Brockton, has been charged criminally with the following offences:
• Failure or refusal to comply with demand
• Operation while impaired - alcohol
And further with:
• Failure to have proof of competency on board a pleasure craft
• Operating vessel in a careless manner, without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for other persons Contrary to the Canada Shipping Act
The accused was released from police custody to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on July 20, 2023. The accused also faces a 90-day drivers licence suspensions as per the Ministry of Transportation (ADLS) guidelines.
Educating the public about safe boating practices with our community safety partners is a priority, if you see a possible impaired operator on our waterways please "Make the Call" and dial 911 as impaired driving never ends well, please make a plan to get home safely.
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