ORILLIA BOATER CHARGED WITH IMPAIRED OPERATION AFTER SEVERING FISHERMAN’S LINES WHILE TRYING TO DOCK IN RESTRICTED AREA

ORILLIA — A boater was charged with impaired operation yesterday after attempting to dock his boat.

Police charged James Hay, 61, of Orillia, with impaired operation of a vessel following an incident in a restricted docking zone.

They say that on June 9, at approximately 5:30 p.m., OPP officers responded to reports of a boat operator attempting to dock in a restricted area at the Old Cruises Fishing Dock.

Witnesses provided officers with a description of the individual, who, during the docking attempt, severed the lines of a local fisherman.

Upon arrival, police conducted an impaired operation investigation.

And based on interactions with the individual and witness statements, officers determined that the boat operator was under the influence of alcohol.

As a result, was charged with: Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus).

Hay was released on a Form 10 Undertaking and is to appear July 08, 2025, at the Ontario Court of Justice, Orillia.

Police were called yesterday afternoon at 5:30 p.m. when a fisherman’s lines were severed as a boater attempted to dock in a restricted area.