Haliburton Highlands OPP is investigating the death of an Oshawa man who was found at McCaslim Lake after his boat capsized June 22.
OPP said in a press release three friends were fishing in an aluminum boat on the lake. Although two were able to grab onto life-jackets floating on the water after the capsize, the third disappeared under the water. The Underwater Search and Recovery Unit recovered his body the next day.
OPP central region media relations Sgt. J.T. Folz said police are awaiting a coroner’s report and toxicology results.
“As with any collision or marine incident, we’re looking at the totality of maybe who was operating the boat at the time, who was in charge of the boat at the time,” Folz said. “Toxicology results will tell us if there was alcohol in the system. Maybe alcohol was a factor. We’re not sure at this time.”
Police have identified the deceased as the 36-year-old Jeffrey Daniel St-Cyr.
The boat did have proper safety equipment on board, OPP said. But none of the people involved were wearing a life jacket as the boat overturned.
Folz said it is important people take proper safety precautions on the water.
“If you’re out boating, then it’s appropriate you wear your life jacket. Much like the seatbelt in a car, you can’t anticipate the crash and put your seatbelt on before it happens. It’s the same with boating,” Folz said. “It might have saved a life in this case.”
