Ontario Provincial Police are highlighting two recent boating incidents on Lake of the Woods, including one linked to alcohol and another that prompted an extensive overnight search during severe weather.
The first collision occurred on May 21 near the south end of Devil’s Gap when two vessels crashed at approximately 8:35 p.m. Police reported only minor injuries. Following an investigation, officers determined alcohol played a role in the incident. One operator received a seven-day licence suspension after registering an alert on a roadside breath test and was charged with careless vessel operation under the Canada Shipping Act.
A second incident was reported in the early hours of May 23 after a vessel struck a reef near 12 Mile Portage. Occupants contacted emergency services, reporting injuries and children on board. Responders faced challenging conditions, including heavy rain, lightning, poor visibility and strong winds.
Communication with the boat’s occupants was later lost, prompting a prolonged search. After several hours, officers re-established contact and learned those on board had safely returned to Kenora and were receiving medical attention at a hospital.