Members of the South Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Marine Unit responded to two separate marine incidents this past weekend.
On Thursday July 25, 2024, the South Bruce OPP were contacted in relation to an unfolding marine incident on Lake Huron off the shore of Saugeen Shores. At approximately 5:06 pm, a sailboat had come close to shore and smashed into the rocks and was in danger of tipping over. Saugeen Shores fire and police assisted OPP. The lone occupant of the vessel was transported to shore by the fire rescue boat and observed by EMS with no reported injuries.
On Sunday July 28, 2024, the South Bruce OPP were called to the Kincardine Harbour at approximately 12:50 pm, for a vessel that had struck a rock just off the coast of Kincardine on Lake Huron. The vessel was reported to be in distress taking in water. A Good Samaritan along with South Bruce OPP Marine unit brought the vessel safely to shore. There were no reported injuries of occupants.
The South Bruce OPP Marine Unit recommends that vessel owners/operators download the Safe Boating Guide found here: https://tc.canada.ca/en/marine-transportation/marine-safety/office-boating-safety.
Examples of safety equipment include:
- Lifejacket or Personal Floatation Device (PFD)
- Re-boarding Device
- Buoyant Heaving Line
- Manual Bilge Pump
- Flares
What you need to carry varies by vessel/vessel length, but it’s imperative that you ensure you have the required safety equipment on board before you leave the dock.
The time to find out it’s lacking, is not when you need it most.
The South Bruce OPP is reminding the public that being impaired on a vessel is a crime and carries the same penalties as driving a vehicle while impaired. Report dangerous activities by calling 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a secure web-tip at www.cstip.ca, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2000.
