NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
*************************
MIDLAND - Members of the OPP Marine Unit attached to the Southern Georgian Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) checked area boaters for proper vessel equipment and operator sobriety while on patrol aboard the OPP patrol Vessel Thomas P. Coffin over the past weekend of Sept. 27-29, 2019.
On Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019 at 7:28 p.m. OPP marine officers attended an area known as Asylum Point at the entrance to Penetanguishene Bay. The officers went to check on two personal watercraft (PWC) that were tied to the navigational buoy at that location.
The officers spoke with three people at that location resulting in a drinking and operating investigation being commenced by the officers with the operators of the PWC's. As a result of this investigation one operator was arrested and transported to the Southern Georgian Bay OPP detachment for further investigation.
Charged is Brett Duncan, 25 years, of Oro-Medonte Township, with:
- Operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus) contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada
He was released from police custody on a recognizance to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Midland on Oct. 10, 2019, and his driver's licence has been suspended for 90 days under the conditions of the Administrative Drivers Licence Suspension (ADLS).
The second operator, Jenna Blondin, 20 years old, of Tiny Township, received a three-day suspension under the conditions of the Administrative Drivers Licence Suspension (ADLS) after registering a 'warn' on the approved screening device.
Both vessels were towed from the scene and secured at a nearby marina.
Officers stopped and checked 20 vessels and operators during their 23.5 hours of patrol on the waters of Georgian Bay resulting in three charges under the Canada Shipping Act.
The marine crew would like to remind all persons whether on shore or on a vessel that the night time vision of any marine operator can be greatly affected by the indiscriminate pointing of bright spotlights at vessels during the dark hours. This can hamper the operators ability to avoid a collision with other waterway users while operating in the dark.
*************************
