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‘This was a bizarre incident’: Man arrested after throwing log off cliff onto kayakers in Nanaimo waters

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Nanaimo RCMP are investigating after two kayakers were struck by a log that was dropped off a cliff above them over the weekend.

The incident occurred at approximately 6:45 p.m. on Saturday, August 6th, when the victims were kayaking in the waters off of Jesse Island, located at the entrance to Departure Bay beach.

According to the kayakers, a 43-year-old man and a 39-year-old woman, they were exploring some rock features when an individual appeared on the island some distance above them. 

There was a short exchange between the kayakers and the individual before they continued paddling.

A few minutes later, the kayakers looked up to see the same person pushing a large log off a cliff directly above them. 

The log struck the woman kayaker in the back with enough force that she was knocked out of her kayak into the ocean. 

The log also hit the male kayaker, however, he managed to stay upright in his kayak, assisting his friend to shore where several witnesses to the incident called police. 

A short time later, Nanaimo RCMP officers arrived on scene and arrested a 37-year-old man for assault with a weapon. 

The individual was later released from police custody to appear in Nanaimo Provincial Court on November 9th. 

Police took pictures of the log which measured approximately 20 feet in length and 8 inches in diameter.

(Nanaimo RCMP)

“This was a bizarre incident and given the size and weight of the log, and distance it fell, the log could have caused serious injury to both individuals,” said Constable Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP.

The investigation is ongoing.

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