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OPP check 62 vessels and their operators for equipment, sobriety in first week of August

Numerous investigations were also conducted as the officers responded to 24 calls for service on numerous bodies of water located within the Detachment patrol area
20220613OPPPatrolVesselThomasPCoffin
The OPP patrol vessel Thomas P. Coffin.

NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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Marine officers from the Southern Georgian Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police  (OPP) were on patrol checking vessels and operators for equipment and impairment, focusing on Giants Tomb and Beckwith Island areas along with patrols of Six Mile Lake, Gloucester Pool and the Trent System over the August 1-7, 2022 time period.

Officers issued three tickets for liquor violations and four tickets for mariners not having sufficient lifejackets on their vessels. During the officers' patrols, 62 vessels and their operators were checked for equipment and sobriety during their 61.5 hours of patrol. Five operators were warned for  Canada Shipping Act violations and various other boating-related offences.

Numerous investigations were also conducted as the officers responded to 24 calls for service on numerous bodies of water located within the Detachment patrol area.

Costly Trip to Beckwith Island

Officers conducted an equipment check on a 30' Sea Ray vessel just south of Giants Tomb Island with four persons aboard and pets returning from the Beckwith Island area. The officers spoke with the vessel operator and entered into a drinking and driving investigation resulting in a Severn Township man being charged criminally with operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus).

The accused was released from custody on a recognizance to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on Aug. 18, 2022, as well. The accused has also lost his driving privileges for seven days as a result of a Ministry of Transportation ADLS suspension.

Educating the public about safe driving practices with our community safety partners is a priority; if you see a possible impaired driver on our roadways, waterways, or trails, please "Make the Call" and dial 911 as impaired driving never ends wellplease make a plan to get home safely.

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