An 18-year-old man from Mission was killed when he was hit by a boat while tubing at night on Osoyoos Lake.
At 9:15 p.m. Tuesday, the Oliver/Osoyoos RCMP were called to a marine incident on the south side of Osoyoos Lake near Haynes Point. Three 18-year-old men being pulled on a tube behind a 20 foot Bay Karavan Bowrider, were struck by the bow of a 15 foot Stingray. An 18-year-old Mission man is deceased as a result of the incident. No one else was injured.The owner and operator of the Stingray, a 27-year-old man from Alberta, is currently in custody and under investigation for dangerous operation of a vessel causing death. Charges may also be considered against the operator of the Karavan Bowrider, an 18-year-old man from Mission, BC, as it appears that he was operating the boat without the required licence, without lights and without the required spotter.
Alcohol is being investigated as a possible factor in this incident. Both boats will be inspected for mechanical deficiencies. The name of the deceased is not being released pending notification of next of kin.
Over the past few weeks the RCMP have responded to a number of incidents on BC's waterways where both boaters and people enjoying the water have been put at risk. People are reminded that by practicing basic water safety everyone can enjoy the water and keep themselves, and others safe. This includes not drinking if you are operating a boat; having valid boat operators license and all the required safety equipment; if you are swimming stay in designated areas and do not push yourself past your limit. Anyone operating a vessel should be familiar with the Transportation Safety Board requirements. Safety on, and around the water, is everybody's responsibility.