OPP RESPONDED TO 2 MARINE COLLISIONS WITHIN DAYS OF EACHOTHER
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(KENORA, ON) — On May 21, 2026 at 8:35pm Kenora Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a collision involving two vessels at the south end of Devil’s Gap, Lake of the Woods. Minor injuries were reported. After officers attended it was determined that alcohol was a factor and one of the involved parties was served a 7 day drivers license suspension for registering an ALERT on the Approved Screening Device and was charged with Operating a vessel in a careless manner, without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for other persons contrary to the Small Vessel Regulations of the Canada Shipping Act 2001.
A second marine collision on Lake of the Woods involving a single vessel was reported on the 23rd a May, 2026 at 0130hrs. Operators called 911 reporting they had struck a reef and had injuries and children on board. Police and EMS responded to the area of 12 Mile Portage in conditions consisting of rain, lightning, low visibility and strong 43kph winds. Officers lost communication with the occupants and after searching for several hours were able to again make contact and learn the occupants had made it back to Kenora and were at the hospital.
Police are reminding boaters to always keep a look out. Give other vessels plenty of space. In narrows areas or areas of restricted visibility, take a safe path and if needed reduce speed.
Police would also like to remind vessel operators that operating a vessel under the influence of drugs and or alcohol is dangerous and further that impaired driving laws apply to vessels in the same way as vehicles. Water on the water. Beer on the peer.
Kenora OPP
807-444-7440