South Bruce OPP report marine calls; and impaired driver

POLICE RESPOND TO MARINE CALLS

(SOUTHERN BRUCE COUNTY, ON) - Members of the South Bruce OPP Marine Unit responded to two separate marine incidents this past weekend.

Thursday, July 25, the South Bruce OPP was contacted in relation to an unfolding marine incident on Lake Huron off the shore of Saugeen Shores. At 5:06 p.m., a sailboat had come close to shore and smashed into the rocks and was in danger of tipping over. Saugeen Shores fire and police assisted the OPP. The lone occupant of the vessel was transported to shore by the fire rescue boat and observed by Bruce County Paramedics, with no reported injuries.

Sunday July 28, the South Bruce OPP was called to the Kincardine Harbour at approximately 12:50 pm, for a vessel that had struck a rock just off the coast of Kincardine on Lake Huron. The vessel was reported to be in distress and taking on water. A Good Samaritan, along with the South Bruce OPP Marine Unit, brought the vessel safely to shore. There were no reported injuries of occupants.

The South Bruce OPP Marine Unit recommends that vessel owners/operators download the Safe Boating Guide found here: tc.canada.ca/en/marine-transportation/marine-safety/office-boating-safety.

Examples of safety equipment include:
 

• Lifejacket or Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
• Re-boarding Device
• Buoyant Heaving Line
• Manual Bilge Pump
• Flares

What you need to carry varies by vessel/vessel length, but it's imperative that you ensure you have the required safety equipment on board before you leave the dock. The time to find out it's lacking, is not when you need it most.

DRIVER ARRESTED AFTER COLLISION IN ARRAN-ELDERSLIE

(ARRAN-ELDERSLIE, ON) - July 27, at 11:49 p.m., the South Bruce OPP received the report of a vehicle swerving along Bruce County Road 3, in the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie. The vehicle left the roadway and was involved in a single motor vehicle collision.

The driver was found to have been drinking alcohol, was placed under arrest and taken to a Qualified Breath Technician for breath tests.

Dieter MADER, 22, of Brantford was charged with:
 

• Operation while impaired
• Operation while impaired - blood-alcohol concentration (80-plus)

*THESE CHARGES HAVE YET TO BE PROVEN IN COURT*

The South Bruce OPP urges the public to report dangerous activities by calling 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a secure web-tip at www.cstip.ca, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.