Two Royal Canadian Navy sailors face charges following the death of a fellow sailor in an inflatable boat capsizing in Halifax harbour over a year ago.
Incident Overview
Petty Officer 2nd Class Gregory Applin, a 38-year-old navy veteran with 19 years of service who had recently returned from an Indo-Pacific deployment, died on January 24, 2025.
Applin and crew members from HMCS Montreal had completed sea trials earlier that day. A 24-foot Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) then transported the crew from the ship to Mill Cove Jetty, about a mile away, in Bedford Basin.
After dropping off the crew, Applin and the coxswain from the Naval Fleet School headed back to the dockyard. The short 10-minute trip encountered waves under one metre, but the RHIB struck a mooring buoy and capsized around 10 p.m.
Thrown into the water, the coxswain could not reach the radio and instead called 911 using his cellphone. The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre responded, rescuing both sailors. Paramedics treated them, but Applin later died in hospital.
Charges Against the Sailors
The Canadian Forces Military Police concluded their investigation and laid charges including criminal negligence causing bodily harm, dangerous operation of a conveyance causing death, and negligent performance of military duties.
Master Sailor David Terry, serving on HMCS Montreal at the time, faces one count of criminal negligence causing bodily harm and one count of negligent performance of military duties under the National Defence Act.
Sailor First Class Alexandre Garrison, from the Naval Fleet School (Atlantic) during the incident, faces one count of dangerous operation of a conveyance causing death and one count of negligent performance of military duties.
Leadership Response
Commodore Jacob French, commander of Canadian Fleet Atlantic, described the events, noting the routine nature of the return trip.
In a joint statement, Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy, and Chief Petty Officer First Class Pascal Harel, Command Chief, called the charges “difficult news for all of us.” They emphasized the demanding environment where “mistakes and errors can have fatal consequences, and we must be accountable for our actions and our inactions.”
The leaders stressed a fair judicial process and the likelihood of multiple contributing factors. They urged all members to uphold standards, promote accountability, look out for one another, speak up about risks, and prevent harm.
Family Privacy and Next Steps
Applin’s family continues to request privacy during their grieving process.
If the charges proceed, the accused will face trial in the military justice system. No further details or evidence will be released to preserve judicial integrity.
