Man, 40, charged with drink-driving after falling out of kayak

15 September 2023 , 12:15

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Police received a panicked call after the kayaker was spotted struggling in the water (Image: 7 News)

A man who was spotted falling out of a kayak has been slapped with an unusual charge of drink-driving after officers caught him steering the boat whilst drunk.

The kayaker, aged 40, was attempting to row the canoe in Cairns Harbour, Australia, whilst being nearly five times over the legal limit. Bystanders alerted the police after he fell out of the boat and struggled to get back in on September 13.

Emergency services and Ports North crew helped him get back to shore before the rescue turned into an investigation by Queensland Water Police. He was arrested and taken to Cairns police station for a breathalyser test, where he reportedly reached a reading of 0.241, reports 7 News. He was charged with steering a vessel while under the influence of alcohol and had his licence suspended.

The man was rescued on September 13 (7 News)

Sergeant Andrew Ibell, of Cairns Water Police, commented: “These types of incidents are a good reminder that anyone operating any type of watercraft must be under the legal alcohol limit. Had it not been for the intervention of Ports North staff members, it is likely that this event would have resulted in the loss of life.” The 40-year-old is set to appear at Cairns Magistrates Court on September 22. If the alleged amount of alcohol is proven, he could be sentenced to prison for up to nine months. According to Queensland law, the maximum fine is $4334 ( £2247.5 ).

Monica Charsley