Log dropped on Kayakers, suspect arrested

Nanaimo

2022-08-08 15:42 PDT

File # 2022-22704

Two kayakers were lucky to avoid serious injury after being struck by a log that was dropped from a cliff above them. The incident occurred at approximately 6:45 PM on Saturday August 6, 2022, in the waters off Jesse Island, located at the entrance to Departure Bay beach.

The kayakers, a 43-year-old man and a 39-year-old woman, told police they were paddling by the Island exploring some rock features when an individual appeared on the island and some distance above them. They said there was a short exchange with the individual who made it clear to that they were not welcome on the island. The kayakers, who had no intention of going onto the Island, continuing paddling.

A few minutes later, they heard a commotion above them, then looked up to see a large log being pushed off the cliff and headed directly towards them. The log struck the woman kayaker in the back with enough force to knock her out of her kayak and into the ocean waters. The log struck her male companion in the lower body. He managed to stay upright in his kayak and together they made their way to shore where several witnesses called the police and reported the incident.

With the assistance of the Nanaimo Port Authority vessel, Nanaimo RCMP officers attended to the island and arrested a 37-year-old man for Assault with a Weapon. The individual was later released from police custody on an Undertaking to appear in Nanaimo Provincial Court on November 9, 2022.

Police took pictures of the log which measured approximately 20 feet in length and 8 inches in diameter.

This was bizarre incident and given the size and weight of the log, and distance it fell, both kayakers are lucky to have avoided significant injury, said Constable Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP.

The investigation continues.
 

Released by

Cst. Gary O'Brien

Email: gary.obrien@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Website: nanaimo.rcmp-grc.gc.ca

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