Kayakers struck by log dropped on them from cliff, suspect arrested

A suspect has been arrested after two kayakers were struck by a log on Saturday evening near Departure Bay beach.

According to the Nanaimo RCMP, the kayakers were lucky to avoid serious injury after being struck by a log that was dropped from a cliff above them.

A 43-year-old man and a 39-year-old woman told police they were paddling by Jesse Island exploring some rock features when an individual appeared above them.

They said there was a short exchange with the individual, after which they continued paddling.

A few minutes later, they heard a commotion from above, then looked up to see the same person pushing a large log off a cliff.

The log struck the woman in the back with enough force to knock her out of her kayak. The log also hit her companion, but he managed to stay upright in his kayak and assisted her to shore, where several witnesses called the police and reported the incident.

With the help of the Nanaimo Port Authority vessel, officers arrested a 37-year-old man for assault with a weapon.

The man was later released from police custody on an undertaking to appear in Nanaimo Provincial Court on Nov. 9, 2022.

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

“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 Cst. Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP.

Police say the investigation into the incident continues.