Sunny days are ahead and Kenora OPP are releasing details of two separate marine collisions last weekend on Lake of the Woods.
The first one happened on May 21st around 8:30pm as Kenora OPP say they responded to a collision involving two vessels at the south end of Devil’s Gap, Lake of the Woods with Minor injuries were reported. Alcohol was a factor in the collision and one of the involved parties was served with a 7 day drivers license suspension and 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 incident involved a single vessel on May 23rd at 1:30am. They called 911 reporting they had struck a reef with children and injuries on board. After police and EMS ventured out in the area of 12 mile during a storm with 43 km winds, they lost contact with the vessel.
Several hours later the vessel made it to shore and the occupants were at the hospital.
Police are reminding boaters to always keep a look out. Give other vessels plenty of space. In narrows areas or areas of restricted visibility, take a safe path and if needed reduce speed.
Police would also like to remind vessel operators that operating a vessel under the influence of drugs and or alcohol is dangerous and further that impaired driving laws apply to vessels in the same way as vehicles. Water on the water. Beer on the peer.
