Canadian Auxiliary Assists RCMP in Sailboat Chase and Arrest

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) took to the sea on Canada Day to stop an alleged impaired boater at the helm of a 12-metre sailboat. Police received a call at 8:50 p.m. of a male trying to navigate his vessel out of Newcastle Marina and smashing into other boats. “The citizens who made the call reported the male was very impaired,” said Const. Sue Phillips, Nanaimo RCMP spokeswoman.

Three officers boarded a Coast Guard Auxiliary zodiac and caught up with the sailboat near Jesse Island. Phillips said the suspect, 55, from Nanaimo, refused an order to shut off his engine and swung a pole with a spear attached at the zodiac.

The officers boarded the sailboat, making an arrest after the man became combative. He was transferred to shore and taken to the RCMP detachment. He was later released on a promise to appear in court July 27.

Police recommended charges of dangerous operation of a vessel, impaired operation of a vessel, assault of a police officer, failure to provide a breath sample, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, failure to stop at the scene of an accident and resisting arrest. The sailboat was towed to Newcastle Marina. There were no injuries to other boaters, but three vessels each received more than $1,000 damage.