The Royal Canadian Navy has identified Petty Officer 2nd Class Gregory Applin as the sailor who tragically lost his life on Friday night after a military boat capsized in Halifax Harbour.
Commodore Jacob French, commander of Canadian Fleet Atlantic, confirmed on Monday that Applin, a 38-year-old from Shoal Cove West, Newfoundland and Labrador, was one of two sailors thrown into the frigid waters around 10 p.m. The second sailor, whose name has not been released, survived the incident, but Applin could not be revived despite efforts at the hospital.
“This is a tragic moment for us and the entire Navy family,” French said during a news conference near the Halifax waterfront. A military investigation is underway to determine the cause of the incident, though no conclusions have been drawn yet.
Applin, a weapons engineering technician aboard HMCS Montreal, was part of a team that had just completed sonar performance trials in the harbour. After the trials, a rigid-hull inflatable boat (RIB) was tasked with transporting personnel to shore, roughly 1.6 kilometres away.
Conditions were harsh, with water temperatures just above freezing, outdoor temperatures at -7°C, and wind chill dropping to -10°C. Although waves were under a metre high, the situation proved perilous.
The boat capsized shortly after dropping passengers at the Mill Cove jetty in Bedford Basin. The sailor operating the seven-metre craft, an experienced small boat coxswain from Naval Fleet School Atlantic, used a cellphone to call 911 after the vessel capsized, as the boat’s radio was inaccessible.
The Rescue Co-ordination Centre in Halifax responded swiftly, sending a harbour pilot boat to retrieve the sailors. Both were transported to the QEII Health Sciences Centre, where the coxswain was treated and discharged the following morning. Tragically, Applin was pronounced dead despite resuscitation efforts.
Commodore French noted that nighttime boat transfers are a routine part of Navy operations and stated that there is no indication of technical issues with the RIBs. The Canadian Forces National Investigations Service is conducting a detailed inquiry, expected to take three to six months.
Applin had served in the Royal Canadian Navy for 19 years, earning the respect and admiration of his peers. “We are profoundly saddened by Gregory’s loss and are doing everything possible to support his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” French said.
The Navy community is mourning the loss of a dedicated and valued member, whose life and service will be deeply missed.