Military Police Charge Two Royal Canadian Navy Members in Connection with Sailor's Death
Military police have formally charged two members of the Royal Canadian Navy with multiple service offences as part of an investigation into the tragic 2025 death of Petty Officer 2nd Class Gregory Applin. The charges were announced on April 15, 2026, following a comprehensive investigation into the incident that claimed the sailor's life.
Details of the Fatal Incident
The fatal incident occurred on the evening of January 24, 2025, when Petty Officer 2nd Class Gregory Applin was traveling in a rigid hull inflatable boat in Bedford Basin, near Halifax. According to military reports, the boat struck a mooring buoy and capsized during the operation. Applin and another Royal Canadian Navy member were rescued by a nearby vessel and transported to hospital for emergency medical treatment. Despite rescue efforts, Applin later succumbed to his injuries.
Charges Laid Against Navy Personnel
Military police have laid specific charges against two navy members in connection with the incident. Master Sailor David Terry, who was serving on HMCS Montréal at the time of the alleged offences, faces one count of criminal negligence causing bodily harm under section 130 of the National Defence Act and one count of negligent performance of military duties under section 124 of the NDA.
Additionally, Sailor First Class Alexandre Garrison, from Naval Fleet School (Atlantic) at the time of the alleged offences, has been charged with one count of dangerous operation of a conveyance causing death under section 130 of the National Defence Act and one count of negligent performance of military duties under section 124 of the NDA.
Military Justice Process and Official Statements
The Canadian Forces emphasized in their official news release that "the accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty" in accordance with standard judicial proceedings. Should the charges proceed to prosecution, they will be tried within the military justice system. To protect the integrity of future judicial proceedings, military authorities have stated that no further details or evidence relating to the case will be provided at this time.
Brigadier-General Vanessa Hanrahan, Canadian Forces Provost Marshal, issued a statement expressing condolences: "The Military Police extend their condolences to the family, friends, and shipmates of Petty Officer 2nd Class Gregory Applin." Military police have provided Applin's family with updates on the investigation, which has now concluded.
Navy Leadership Response
Navy commander Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee and Chief Petty Officer First Class Pascal Harel, the Command Chief Petty Officer Royal Canadian Navy, issued a joint statement on April 15 responding to the announcement of charges. Their statement acknowledged the difficult nature of the news for the naval community and highlighted the demanding operational environment in which the Royal Canadian Navy serves.
"We operate in a demanding environment where mistakes and errors can have fatal consequences, and we must be accountable for our actions and our inactions," the statement noted. The leadership emphasized that there will be a fair, independent and impartial process to determine the outcome of these charges, and that those accused deserve every opportunity to defend themselves.
The statement further observed 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." This acknowledgment reflects the complex nature of military operations and the multiple variables that can contribute to tragic outcomes in high-risk environments.
The charges represent a significant development in the investigation into Applin's death, bringing the case into the military justice system for potential resolution. The Royal Canadian Navy now faces the challenging process of addressing these allegations while continuing to support its personnel and maintain operational readiness.
