Man charged with alcohol related offences after police board boat
A man has been charged with two alcohol offences after RCMP responded to a call Saturday afternoon reporting two unresponsive men in a speed boat on the Baddeck River.
Spokesperson Dal Hutchinson confirmed the call came in to Baddeck dispatch at 12:30 p.m. RCMP arrived on scene, after securing boats, around
2 p.m. with the Wagmatcook
Fire Department and Emergency Health Services (EHS).
The speed boat was near the Nyanza bridge and there were two passengers, both unconscious. Once the emergency responders got close to the boat they determined the two men were sleeping. Nathan Paulsr, 44, was one of the fire fighters who responded to the call. The father of two told the Cape Breton Post when they were first approaching the boat they feared the men would be dead.
“We were informed that it might just be to pick up bodies. When we finally arrived at scene, screaming and hollering to them and getting no response we figured they were deceased,” said Paulsr, who is originally from Eskasoni First Nation but now lives in Wagmatcook.
“As we approached their vessel (about five feet away) one responded by raising his arm. We felt a sigh of relief.”
When they reached the boat, Paulsr said they could see two almost empty 40-ounce bottles of rum on the floor. RCMP arrested the 38-year-old driver from Victoria County and charged him with impaired care and control of a vessel and impaired over the legal limit. He is schedule to appear in Wagmatcook Provincial Court on Aug. 1.
The other occupant, a 34-year-old male, was not charged and driven home. Paulsr said neither man was from the Wagmatcook community.
Hutchinson said it is unknown if the driver of the boat had a valid operating license or enough personal floatation devices, commonly called life jackets, on board. The investigation is ongoing.
“This incident could have had a much worse outcome for these two men, as well as for other boaters on the river (Saturday) afternoon,” Hutchinson told the Cape Breton Post via email.
“RCMP remind all motorists, whether on land or water, to call 911 if you suspect another motorist is driving while impaired.”
Admitting it was a “rush” responding to the call, Paulsr said it was the first time he had been a part of a rescue like this in his seven years as a volunteer fire fighter.
“It’s something that I can’t explain. Fear, anxiety, adrenaline rush. But the happiness is beyond when you know everything is all good and no casualties for this call, an unbelievable feeling… thanks to all the women and men who responded.”
With more than 7,600 km of ocean coastline along Nova Scotia, 6,700 lakes and 130 rivers, Hutchinson said it is important to always practice safe boating.
“(Saturday’s) incident is a reminder of the importance of making boat safety a priority before heading out on the rivers, lakes and oceans,” he said.
“Operating a vessel is treated the same as operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs. You can be charged with Criminal Code offences.”