Trawler Crashes at Lund Marina

Jan 25, 2017

As reported by CTV News, Mounties say a 58-year-old boat owner from Courtenay has been arrested and charged with causing a disturbance after his fishing trawler ran aground near Powell River last week.

On January 14, the 40-foot trawler slammed into the marina in the small town of Lund. Witnesses said it appeared the vessel had crashed intentionally to keep from sinking. Three passengers were taken to hospital with minor injuries and the vessel’s owner was arrested.

RCMP confirmed Monday that the boat hit a rock while entering the Lund area, then started taking on water when the owner ran it up a boat launch. The vessel was in danger of becoming submerged in the rising tide, so police and the Coast Guard boarded it and found the captain, who was sleeping and showed signs of intoxication when woken, according to RCMP.

During the investigation, police said the owner became “very agitated and aggressive” with harbour staff and was arrested for causing a disturbance. Police also found the owner had violated a court order to not consume alcohol. He has since been released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court for breaching the condition.

Booms were placed around the vessel to contain any leaking fuel, and the Ministry of Environment was called in to survey possible damage to the environment. The boat was removed from the water shortly afterwards

Photo Credit: CTV