OPP respond to 2 marine crashes on same lake

An undated photo of an Ontario Provincial Police marine unit on patrol. (File photo/Ontario Provincial Police/X)

Ontario Provincial Police say two separate marine collisions occurred on Lake of the Woods within days of each other this month – one involving alcohol and another in stormy conditions that left officers searching for hours.

The first incident took place at about 8:35 p.m. on May 21, when OPP responded to a collision involving two vessels at the south end of Devil’s Gap.

Police said only minor injuries were reported.

After officers attended, OPP said it was determined that alcohol was a factor in the crash.

One of the involved parties was served a seven-day driver’s licence suspension for registering an alert on a breathalyzer test administered and was charged with operating a vessel in a careless manner, without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for other persons, contrary to the Small Vessel Regulations of the Canada Shipping Act, 2001.

Second crash led to overnight search

A second marine collision on Lake of the Woods involving a single vessel was reported at about 1:30 a.m. on May 23.

“Operators called 911 reporting they had struck a reef and had injuries and children on board,” said police said in a news release.

OPP and emergency medical services responded to the area of 12 Mile Portage in conditions that included rain, lightning, low visibility and strong winds of 43 km/h.

Police said officers lost communication with the occupants and after searching for several hours were able to again make contact and learn the occupants had made it back to Kenora and were at the hospital.

Safety reminders for boaters

In response to the two incidents, OPP reminded boaters to be vigilant and always keep a lookout.

“Give other vessels plenty of space,” said police.

“In narrows areas or areas of restricted visibility, take a safe path and, if needed, reduce speed.”

OPP also reminded vessel operators that operating a vessel under the influence of drugs or alcohol is dangerous and that impaired driving laws apply to vessels in the same way as vehicles.

“(Remember) water on the water (and) beer on the peer,” said Const. Phillip Mays.