A 63-year old man is facing charges after what police called a “bizarre” kayak accident causing a vessel to dangerously capsize in Behchokǫ̀.
Police reported that on Monday, they received a report that an allegedly intoxicated individual had stolen a kayak and was using a snow shovel to paddle it around Marion Lake.
When officers arrived on scene, they found the suspect had capsized the kayak and was swimming.
Police allege the kayaker was not able to pull themselves from the water. The man was assisted onto shore by officers.
The 63-year old suspect is now facing charges under the criminal code including impaired operation of a vessel, and refusal to comply with a breath demand.
RCMP said that a vessel is not defined exclusively as motorized.
“Self‑propelled watercrafts like canoes and kayaks are included,” said Cpl. Kevin Kim of the Behchokǫ̀ detachment.
Kim said the operation of any kind of vessel while impaired puts everyone at risk.
“On the water, the risks are higher; conditions can change quickly, there’s limited equipment, and response times are often longer, which makes these incidents especially dangerous for both those involved and for emergency responders.”
The suspect was reportedly released from custody and is scheduled to attend court at a later date.
