CHARGES LAID AFTER A TWO BOAT COLLISION ON RAINY LAKE
This site earns commission from purchases made through ad links. We only promote products we believe in or use ourselves
(Rainy Lake, ON) - Five people escaped injury after a stationary vessel was struck by another vessel near Bear’s Passage on Rainy Lake.
On June 5, 2026, members of the Rainy River District Detachment Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report of a two-vessel collision on Rainy Lake. The five passengers involved were not injured and the boats had returned to land.
Investigation determined that the stationary vessel was fishing in a narrows and was struck by the other vessel moving on plane through the narrows.
The operator of the offending vessel, a 78-year-old resident of Otesgo Minnesota, has been charged under the Small Vessel Regulations with one count of careless operation of a vessel.
- Always wear your lifejacket - If you don’t wear it, it won’t work. Examine your personal flotation devices (PFD’s) for wear and tear and identify those that need replacing. If you have inflatable PFD’s, be sure to be familiar with their operating instructions
- Check your boat - Familiarize yourself with the boat you are operating. Check the condition of your vessel and ensure it is properly prepared for the boating season
- Be prepared - Always do a thorough check of your boat and safety equipment before heading out on the water, as mechanical breakdowns account for a significant number of calls for assistance by the OPP
- Planning - Remember when things go wrong on the water, it happens very quickly and you don’t always have time to react. A prudent skipper always discusses their plans with a family member before they set out
Have a safe and happy boating season.