The Royal Canadian Navy has confirmed the death of Petty Officer 2nd Class Gregory Applin, a 38-year-old weapons engineering technician from Shoal Cove West, Newfoundland and Labrador. Applin tragically passed away after a small military boat capsized late Friday in Halifax Harbour’s Bedford Basin.
The incident occurred around 10 p.m. during the conclusion of a naval exercise. The rigid-hull inflatable boat (RIB), used to transport personnel between HMCS Montreal and the Mill Cove jetty, overturned after dropping off its passengers. Applin and another sailor were thrown into the freezing waters, with temperatures hovering just above freezing and wind chills reaching -10°C.
Commodore Jacob French, commander of Canadian Fleet Atlantic, confirmed that the second sailor, an experienced small boat coxswain from Naval Fleet School Atlantic, survived and was released from the hospital Saturday morning. Despite rescue efforts, Applin could not be revived after being taken to the QEII Health Sciences Centre in Halifax.
“This is a tragic moment for the entire Navy family,” Commodore French stated during a news conference outside HMC Dockyard. “We are profoundly saddened by the loss of Gregory. Our thoughts and support are with his family and loved ones during this extremely difficult time.”
Applin, a Navy veteran of 19 years, was aboard HMCS Montreal, which had just completed sonar performance trials in the harbour. The RIB flipped as it was returning to shore. Due to the capsized vessel, the onboard VHF radio became inaccessible. The surviving sailor managed to use a cellphone to call 911, prompting swift action from the Rescue Co-ordination Centre in Halifax, which dispatched a pilot boat to assist.
The Canadian Forces National Investigations Service has launched an investigation into the incident, expected to take three to six months. Commodore French emphasized that nighttime transfers using RIBs are standard Navy procedure, and there is no indication of any technical issues with the vessel.
As the Navy family mourns, Applin’s service and dedication to his country are being remembered with deep respect and gratitude.
Swifteradio.com
