Drunk man crashes boat in Vernon, gets arrested

In the middle of the night, a drunk 21-year-old crashed their boat into a moored boat on Okanagan Lake over the long weekend.

According to a Vernon North Okanagan RCMP media release, a lakeside resident called police at 4:15 a.m. after someone crashed into their boat.

The boat was moored in front of their property in the 7800 block of Tronson Road on Aug. 5 when the collision occurred.

The boat was then caught on an anchor chain and unable to move.

When police arrived they found the 21-year-old using a jet ski, trying to free the boat from the chain.

Speaking to the man on shore, officers noticed the man had likely been drinking and demanded he take a breath test. 

However, he refused and was promptly arrested.

"Alcohol and boating don’t mix," Vernon North Okanagan RCMP Const. Chris Terleski said in a media release. "We want to remind everyone that operating any vessel, including personal watercraft, under the influence of alcohol can result in impaired driving charges, or worse, serious injuries or fatalities."

The man was taken to the Vernon RCMP detachment and later released.

The 21-year-old from Regina faces potential criminal charges and is expected to appear in court at a later date.

Three other people were on the boat at the time and no injuries were reported.

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