Fatal boat vs. obstacle collision on St. Lawrence River near Thousand Islands Bridge

A 21-year-old man has passed away after a boat collided with an obstacle on the St. Lawrence River over the night of Oct. 5 – 6.

OPP officers and Leeds and Grenville Paramedics responded to the scene on Sunday, Oct. 6, just before 6 a.m. Police say the collision happened among a group of small islands, just west of the Thousand Islands Bridge, between the mainland and Hill Island.

It’s believed the single boat, with two people onboard, collided with an obstacle some time overnight.

The boat’s passenger was able to swim to shore to get help. Another group then searched the area and located the male driver in the water with no vital signs.

The 21-year-old male was pronounced deceased after being brought to shore.

OPP Media Relations Officer Bill Dickson says that the deceased individual’s name will not be released.

The investigation is in its early stages, with assistance from the OPP Forensic Identification Services Unit, and in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Coroner.

If you witnessed the collision or have any information, contact Leeds County OPP at 1-888-310-1122 and refer to incident E241337329.