'As with all judicial proceedings, the accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty'
Two members of the Royal Canadian Navy have been charged in connection with the 2025 death of Petty Officer 2nd Class (PO 2) Gregory Applin, following the conclusion of a Canadian Forces Military Police investigation.
The charges stem from a small‑craft incident in Bedford Basin near Halifax that resulted in the sailor’s death, according to a news release from National Defence.
The Canadian Forces Military Police (CF MP) charged the two sailors with multiple service offences under the National Defence Act, some of which are tied to Criminal Code provisions. The case will proceed within the military justice system, reflecting the armed forces’ internal legal framework for addressing serious incidents involving Canadian Armed Forces members.
The department emphasized that the investigation phase is now complete and that the matter has moved into the judicial stream. It also stressed that, “as with all judicial proceedings, the accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty,” underscoring that the laying of charges does not equate to a finding of fault.
Incident in Bedford Basin
The charges arise from a rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) accident on the evening of Jan. 24, 2025, in Bedford Basin. National Defence reported that PO 2 Applin was travelling in the RHIB when it “struck a mooring buoy and capsized,” leaving two Royal Canadian Navy members in the water.
Applin and another sailor were rescued by a nearby vessel and transported to hospital. Despite the rescue and subsequent medical care, PO 2 Applin “died as a result of the incident,” the department said, marking a fatal outcome from what began as a small‑craft movement in a busy harbour environment.
Master Sailor (MS) David Terry – who was serving aboard His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Montréal at the time of the alleged offences – faces two service charges. National Defence said he has been charged with one count of criminal negligence causing bodily harm under section 130 of the National Defence Act, pursuant to section 221 of the Criminal Code of Canada.
Terry is also charged with one count of negligent performance of military duties under section 124 of the National Defence Act. This combination of charges points to alleged failures both at the criminal‑negligence threshold and in the specific discharge of military responsibilities.
Sailor First Class (S1) Alexandre Garrison – who was assigned to Naval Fleet School (Atlantic) at the time – faces two separate charges. Garrison has been charged with one count of dangerous operation of a conveyance causing death under section 130 of the National Defence Act, pursuant to subsection 320.13(3) of the Criminal Code, along with one count of negligent performance of military duties under section 124 of the National Defence Act.
In announcing the charges, CF MP leadership acknowledged the human impact of the case. “The Military Police extend their condolences to the family, friends, and shipmates of Petty Officer 2nd Class Gregory Applin. The Military Police recognize the personnel and units of Maritime Forces Atlantic and Canadian Forces Base Halifax for their full and willing participation throughout the investigation,” said Brigadier‑General Vanessa Hanrahan, Canadian Forces Provost Marshal.
National Defence noted that the update from the Military Police “has been shared with the knowledge of PO 2 Applin’s family, who continue to express their wish for privacy as they grieve their loss.” That acknowledgement signals the department’s intent to balance public accountability with respect for the family’s ongoing bereavement.
The department also reiterated the legal authority and scope of the CF MP in this and other workplace incidents involving Canadian Armed Forces personnel.
In enforcing Canadian military and criminal laws, CF MP “are peace officers and lawfully exercise jurisdiction over Canadian Armed Forces members and over all persons on defence establishments,” National Defence said.
