A call of distress about an overturned boat carrying 16 people on Lake Winnipeg turned out to be a hoax.
At around 10 p.m. on Tuesday night, Gimli RCMP were dispatched after a report a boat had capsized, leaving 13 people in the water.
RCMP, the Canadian Coast Guard, local emergency services, and a Hercules aircraft from CFB Trenton all responded.
A 36-year-old man from the Matlock area is facing a number of charges.
RCMP say a Coast Guard vessel located the man and his watercraft about one kilometre from the Winnipeg Beach harbour.
Police are continuing to investigate.
UPDATE: Thursday, August 2 — James Scott, 36, has been charged with impaired operation of a vessel/boat, impaired care and control of a vessel/boat, and public mischief. RCMP say additional charges may be filed.
— Staff
