HALIFAX — The Royal Canadian Navy has confirmed the tragic death of Petty Officer 2nd Class Gregory Applin from Shoal Cove West, Newfoundland and Labrador, following the capsizing of a small military boat on the night of January 26, 2025. Commodore Jacob French, commander of Canadian Fleet Atlantic, shared the devastating news during a press conference held on January 27, emphasizing the emotional toll on the Navy family.
The incident unfolded shortly after 10 PM when Applin and another unidentified sailor were aboard a special operations rigid-hull inflatable boat (RIB) returning from delivering personnel to shore. Tragically, the RIB flipped, throwing both sailors overboard amid water temperatures just above freezing. Applin, 38, could not be revived after being rushed to the hospital, as revealed by French.
“This is a tragic moment for us, tragic for the entire Navy family,” said French outside Admiral's Gate at HMC Dockyard. The Commodore also indicated the second sailor, who survived, was able to call for help using his cellphone after they were thrown from the boat, as accessing the onboard VHF radio was likely impossible due to the chaos of the moment.
Earlier on Friday, the HMCS Montreal, where Applin served as a weapons engineering technician, had completed sonar performance trials. The coxswain of the RIB, whose identity has not been disclosed, was reportedly experienced, coming from Naval Fleet School Atlantic.
The Commodore recounted how the boat, after dropping off personnel at Mill Cove jetty on the northwestern side of the Bedford Basin, flipped unexpectedly. The prevailing weather conditions included less than one-meter waves, with outdoor temperatures around -7 degrees Celsius and wind chill factors driving the perceived temperature down to approximately -10 degrees Celsius.
French elaborated on the immediate response to the distress situation. The coxswain's timely action to dial 911 prompted the Rescue Co-ordination Centre to dispatch assistance without delay. “It's a good thing the call was made because it triggered all the right responses,” he noted, emphasizing the protocols followed by the Navy during nighttime transfers.
Following the accident, both sailors who fell overboard were met by paramedics at the jetty and transported to the QEII Health Sciences Centre. While the surviving sailor was released from the hospital the next morning, the outlook for Applin's case was grim.
French confirmed the investigation will be spearheaded by the Canadian Forces National Investigations Service, with expected completion taking between three to six months to reach clear conclusions about the causes leading to the unfortunate incident. “We have no reason to believe there is anything unsafe technically about the RIBs,” said French, underscoring the routine nature of nighttime transfers for the Navy.
The loss of Gregory Applin, who had dedicated 19 years to the Navy, has left his family and fellow sailors grieving. French conveyed heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Navy, stating, “At this time, the family of Gregory Applin is experiencing a painful loss. We are, all of us, deeply saddened by the loss of Gregory... We are doing our utmost to support the family and loved ones through this extremely difficult time.”
This report originally appeared on January 27, 2025, by The Canadian Press and summarizes tragic events impacting the Royal Canadian Navy community, highlighting the challenges faced during military operations.