The Canadian Forces Military Police have pressed charges against two Royal Canadian Navy members following the death of Petty Officer 2nd Class Gregory Applin in 2025. Applin, aged 38, lost his life when the inflatable boat he was aboard overturned on January 24, 2025, in Halifax harbor after colliding with an unlit buoy. He had been a navy member for 19 years and hailed from Shoal Cove West, N.L.
The military police disclosed that Master Sailor David Terry faces charges of criminal negligence causing bodily harm and negligent performance of military duties. Additionally, Sailor 1st Class Alexandre Garrison has been charged with dangerous operation of a conveyance causing death and negligent performance of military duties.
Both accused individuals were serving on HMCS Montreal and the Naval Fleet School (Atlantic) when the alleged offenses occurred. Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee and Chief Petty Officer 1st Class Pascal Harel conveyed their acknowledgment of the challenging circumstances in the Royal Canadian Navy due to the incident. They emphasized the need for accountability for actions and inactions, recognizing the potential fatal outcomes of mistakes in their demanding operational environment.
The statement from Topshee and Harel assured an independent and fair process for the accused individuals, allowing them the opportunity to present their defense. They underscored that incidents like this usually result from a combination of factors rather than a single cause.
Brig.-Gen. Vanessa Hanrahan, Canadian Forces provost marshal, confirmed the conclusion of the military police investigation. She mentioned that if the charges proceed to full prosecution, the case will be handled within the military justice system.
During the incident that led to Applin’s tragic demise, HMCS Montreal was engaged in sea trials in Bedford Basin as part of readiness activities. The mishap occurred when a rigid-hull inflatable boat transporting staff back from training exercises collided with an unlit buoy near HMCS Montreal. Applin and another crew member were thrown into the water, with Applin failing to be resuscitated despite efforts by emergency responders.
Applin, a weapons engineering technician who had recently returned from deployment in the Indo-Pacific, was remembered as a dedicated husband and father. The tragic event has deeply impacted the navy, with condolences extended to Applin’s family by Vice-Admiral Topshee.
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