NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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GEORGIAN BAY TOWNSHIP - Uniform officers assigned to the Southern Georgian Bay detachment Marine Unit of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) completed 25 hours of patrol over the June 18-20, 2021 period covering the waters and areas of Tay Township, Honey Harbour, Giant's Tomb, Trent Severn System and Six Mile Lake.
Officers checked 65 vessels and responded to several trespassing complaints along with being first on scene at 4:16 p.m. June 20, 2021 at a 40' vessel fire located on the north east side of Giant's Tomb island which resulted in no injuries, vessel towed to a marina.
Penetang Bay Vessel Check
Officers observed at 7:10 p.m. June 20, 2021 a liquor offence aboard a 39' vessel underway on the inner harbour of Penetang Bay, Penetanguishene. Further investigation revealed that there were no lifejackets on board the vessel for the seven occupants. The 52-year-old operator from Barrie was cited for the following offences.
- Operate vessel with open liquor
contrary to the Liquor Licence Act
- Fail to have sufficient lifejackets for all person aboard vessel
contrary to the Canada Shipping Act
Six Mile Lake Vessel Check
While patrolling Six Mile Lake in the area of the "Cook Outs" on June 19, 2021 at 6:20 p.m. officers observed a speeding offence and conducted a safety check of the vessel which had nine persons aboard. As a result of the vessel check, officers found six occupants did not have lifejackets and the operator of the vessel became the subject of an drinking and driving investigation.
As a result of this vessel stop and ensuing investigation the operator Andrew Louis Locke 34 years of Kitchener has been charged with the following offences:
- Operation while impaired - alcohol
- Operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada
- Operate vessel with open liquor
contrary to the Liquor Licence Act
- Fail to have sufficient lifejackets for all person aboard vessel
contrary to the Canada Shipping Act
The accused was released from custody on a recognizance to appear to before the Ontario Court of Justice in Midland on July 8, 2021.
With the increased number of new boating enthusiasts this year, officers will be trying to educate operators about safe boating on Georgian Bay and the surrounding waterways . The following Weather to Boat app can provide you with marine weather and vessel equipment tips and if you see a possible impaired operator "Make the Call" and dial 911 and help prevent a summer time tragedy.
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