Boater collides with breakwater in Sointula

The Port McNeill RCMP is investigating an incident involving a personal boat that crashed into the primary marina breakwater in Sointula, Malcolm Island.

The collision occurred during the afternoon of July 14th, and involved a small vessel with one occupant that was alleged to be operating at high speeds before it collided into the rocky breakwater. The vessel sank, the male operator was rescued from the rocks by Canadian Coast Guard personnel and was medically cleared before being turned over to Port McNeill RCMP members. Investigators obtained evidence of alcohol impairment, and will be submitting information to the BC Prosecution Service for consideration of charges. The BC RCMP Underwater Recovery Team will be assisting with salvaging the vessel for further investigation.

This is the busy season for marine traffic in the North Island region, stated Corporal Spencer Mylymok. The Port McNeill RCMP wish to remind people that under the Criminal Code of Canada, operating a boat while impaired carries the same penalties as operating a motor vehicle.

The Port McNeill RCMP ask that anyone with information or video from this incident contact the detachment at 250-956-4441.