A Minnesota resident has been charged by the OPP following a boating accident near Bear’s Passage last week.
In a press release from the OPP, officers noted that officers responded to a two-vessel collision near Bear’s Passage on Rainy Lake on Friday, June 5, 2026. Once on the scene, officers determined that the five passengers involved in the collision had not been injured, and the boats had returned to land. Further investigation determined that a stationary vessel was fishing in a narrows and was struck by another vessel moving on plane through the narrows.
The operator of the offending vessel was found to be a 78-year-old resident of Otesgo, Minnesota, and has been charged under the Small Vessel Regulations with one count of careless operation of a vessel.
The OPP is also taking the time to remind boaters that as the summer season settles in, boating safety is everyone’s shared responsibility by remembering these tips.
- 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.
- Don’t drink and boat – Drinking and boating is just as dangerous as drinking and driving. The very same laws for impaired driving also apply to impaired boating. If you suspect that someone is operating a boat while impaired, call 9-1-1. Your call could be saving lives.
- 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,” the OPP said.
