Petty Officer Second Class Gregory Applin, a 38-year-old weapons engineering technician with 19 years of distinguished service in the Royal Canadian Navy, tragically lost his life in a maritime accident on Friday evening in the Bedford Basin, near Halifax, Nova Scotia. The incident involved the capsizing of a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) that was being used to transport crew members from HMCS Montreal, Applin’s assigned vessel, back to the dockyard after the completion of sea trials. The incident unfolded around 10 p.m. local time, prompting a swift emergency response and subsequent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragic event.
The sequence of events leading to the accident began with the conclusion of sea trials aboard HMCS Montreal, which had recently returned from a deployment to the Indo-Pacific region in October. Crew members were ferried ashore to Mill Cove Jetty, a short distance from the ship, using the 24-foot RIB. Once the crew disembarked, Applin and the coxswain from the Naval Fleet School boarded the RIB to return to the dockyard, a journey that typically takes approximately 10 minutes. The weather conditions at the time were described as relatively calm, with light winds between five and ten knots and wave heights of less than a meter.
During the return trip, an unforeseen incident caused the RIB to capsize, ejecting both Applin and the coxswain into the frigid waters of the Bedford Basin. The sudden nature of the capsize left the coxswain without access to the boat’s radio, which was submerged along with the overturned vessel. Resourcefully, the coxswain utilized his personal cell phone to contact 911 emergency services, initiating a rapid response from the Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC). The JRCC promptly dispatched a Halifax pilot boat to the scene, which quickly located and retrieved the two sailors from the water.
Upon being pulled from the water, both Applin and the coxswain were transported back to the jetty, where awaiting paramedics administered immediate medical attention. The severity of Applin’s condition necessitated further medical intervention, and both sailors were subsequently transferred to a local hospital. Tragically, despite the best efforts of medical personnel, Applin could not be resuscitated and succumbed to the effects of the accident. The coxswain, thankfully, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was released from the hospital the following day, Saturday.
Following the tragic incident, Commodore Jacob French, commander of the Canadian Fleet Atlantic, addressed reporters on Monday, expressing profound sadness at the loss of Petty Officer Applin and offering condolences to his family and shipmates. Commodore French affirmed that the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service, the military police investigative branch, has launched a thorough investigation into the incident, as is standard procedure in such cases. The investigation aims to uncover the specific factors that contributed to the capsizing of the RIB and ascertain the precise cause of the accident.
Commodore French acknowledged that while RIB capsizings are not unheard of, they are relatively uncommon occurrences. He emphasized that, pending the results of the investigation, there are no plans to suspend the use of RIBs within the Canadian Navy. However, he assured that appropriate precautions would be taken to enhance the safety of RIB operations, including crew transfers, in the future. In the meantime, the sea trials for HMCS Montreal, which were interrupted by the tragic event, have been temporarily suspended. The focus remains on supporting Applin’s grieving family and shipmates during this difficult period, while awaiting the outcome of the investigation to understand and learn from this tragic loss.
The tragic loss of Petty Officer Second Class Gregory Applin underscores the inherent risks associated with maritime operations, even in seemingly calm conditions. The swift response of the coxswain in utilizing his cell phone to call 911 and the rapid deployment of rescue resources by the JRCC highlight the importance of preparedness and effective emergency procedures. The incident also underscores the necessity of thorough investigations to identify the root causes of such accidents and implement measures to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
The Canadian Navy’s commitment to supporting Applin’s family and crewmates, along with their dedication to a comprehensive investigation, demonstrates a commitment to transparency and a resolve to learn from this devastating event. While the investigation will provide a more definitive understanding of the circumstances leading to the capsizing, the loss of a dedicated sailor like Petty Officer Applin serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by those who serve in the Canadian Armed Forces. The incident emphasizes the importance of continuous vigilance and the constant pursuit of safety improvements in all maritime activities.
Pending the findings of the investigation, the Canadian Navy will likely review its existing safety protocols and procedures related to the operation of RIBs, particularly in regards to crew transfers. This review may encompass aspects such as crew training, equipment maintenance, and operational guidelines for various weather and sea conditions. The investigation’s outcome will provide valuable insights to inform any necessary adjustments to existing practices and enhance the safety of future RIB operations.
The tragic loss of Petty Officer Applin resonates deeply within the Canadian Navy community and serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers faced by those who serve at sea. The incident highlights the crucial role of continuous safety improvements, thorough training, and unwavering adherence to safety protocols in mitigating risks and safeguarding the lives of naval personnel. The outpouring of support for Applin’s family and shipmates reflects the strong sense of camaraderie and shared resilience within the Canadian Armed Forces.
As the investigation progresses, further details will emerge regarding the specific factors that contributed to the capsizing. The Canadian Navy’s commitment to a thorough and transparent investigation underscores its dedication to accountability and continuous improvement in its safety practices. The outcome of the investigation will be crucial in informing any necessary changes to protocols and procedures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The loss of Petty Officer Second Class Gregory Applin is a profound loss for the Royal Canadian Navy and a stark reminder of the risks inherent in maritime service. The ongoing investigation will provide further clarity on the circumstances surrounding this tragic event and inform efforts to enhance safety and prevent future occurrences. The support extended to Applin’s family and colleagues reflect the strength and solidarity within the Canadian Armed Forces community during this difficult time.
The incident involving the capsizing of the RIB and the tragic loss of Petty Officer Applin serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of safety and preparedness in all maritime activities, even those conducted in relatively calm conditions. The Canadian Navy’s commitment to a thorough investigation and its focus on supporting Applin’s family and colleagues underscore the values of accountability, transparency, and compassion within the Canadian Armed Forces. The incident serves as a catalyst for ongoing review and improvement of safety protocols to protect those who serve at sea.
