Coroner’s report urges boating safety after fatal Richelieu River accident

A coroner’s report into the 2023 death of a woman on the Richelieu River urges greater awareness of boating safety.

A coroner’s report into the death of a woman on the Richelieu River two years ago blames a lack of knowledge of water safety. That lack of knowledge puts the lives of boaters and passengers at risk.

As Quebec Boating Safety Week continues and lots of people want to be out on the water in this warm weather, it’s important to remember the rules.

In September 2023, Sarah Massey was sitting on the bow of a wake-surfing boat filled with friends on the Richelieu River. When a surfer behind the boat fell, the captain made a sudden stop. She fell into the water—and under the boat.

The coroner’s report, released June 20, 2025, says the injuries from the propeller led to her death.

Josée Côté is the executive director of Nautisme Québec. She says, “It’s easy to have an accident, you have a wave and people can fall out, so it’s important to seat on the seats very well and not on the corner of the boat.”

Nautisme Québec is a non-profit that represents boaters in the province. Côté says they support the coroner’s 26 recommendations, including limiting alcohol consumption. Michel Soucy is a wake-surfer and on the board of Nautisme Québec.

“That one beer or two drinks or whatever is not having the same effect as you’re sitting on your terrace at your home.”

The report also said there’s a need to raise awareness of nautical safety rules. Soucy says while wake-surfing isn’t fast, it comes with risks.

“Wake-surf is a low speed. But it can be really dangerous because all the boats are those with tons of weight. So the reaction of the boat is not the same as if you’re driving your boat to a calm situation.”

Côté says ultimately the person at the helm is responsible for the safety of their crew.

“The captain is responsible for his wave, is responsible for the safety of his passenger, is responsible to see if people are drunk. So we need to take care of all those important things on the water.”

She adds that all boaters need to be licensed and should review the safety rules at the beginning of each season.

And always keep an eye out for others sharing the waterways.