The Royal Canadian Navy confirmed that Gregory Applin died after a boat overturned in Bedford Basin on January 24, 2025. (Source: Royal Canadian Navy)
Two members of the Royal Canadian Navy now face charges after a sailor died when a small boat overturned in Bedford Basin near Halifax earlier this year.
The incident took place on the evening of Jan. 24, 2025, during harsh winter conditions. Temperatures had dropped to about -10 C when the vessel ran into trouble.
Boat capsized after striking buoy
Petty Officer 2nd Class Gregory Applin, 38, travelled in a rigid hull inflatable boat at the time. According to officials, the boat hit a mooring buoy before overturning in the cold waters of the basin.
Rescue teams reached the scene and pulled Applin and another Navy member from the water. Both received medical care at a hospital, but Applin later died from his injuries.
Military police lay charges
After a detailed investigation, the Canadian Forces Military Police charged two sailors connected to the case.
Master Sailor David Terry, who served aboard HMCS Montreal during the incident, faces charges of criminal negligence causing bodily harm and negligent performance of military duties.
Sailor First Class Alexandre Garrison, from Naval Fleet School Atlantic, faces charges of dangerous operation of a conveyance causing death, along with negligent performance of military duties.
If the case proceeds, the military justice system will handle the trial.
Navy promises fair process
In a statement, Navy leadership stressed the need for fairness as the case moves forward. Officials said they will follow a careful and balanced process to review the charges.
“Those accused deserve every opportunity to defend themselves,” the statement reads. “We are also extremely mindful that an incident like this almost never results from a single cause or single error, and it is most likely the outcome of a combination of factors.
“The loss of one of our own weighs heavily on us all. Let us honour Petty Officer Applin’s memory by committing ourselves to the highest ideals of naval service and ensuring that every sailor returns home safely.”
Remembering a dedicated sailor
Applin served in the Navy for 19 years and built a long career as a weapons engineering technician. He joined the forces in 2005 and spent close to 500 days at sea on Canadian naval ships.
He recently returned from a deployment to the Indo-Pacific region in 2024 aboard HMCS Montreal under Operation HORIZON. Alongside his service at sea, he also trained future sailors as an instructor at Naval Fleet School Atlantic.
Community reflects on loss
The loss has deeply affected the naval community. Fellow sailors remember Applin as a committed professional who served his country with dedication.
As the legal process continues, the Navy faces questions about safety and accountability while also mourning the loss of a respected member.
