Military Police lay charges in relation to the death of a CAF member
Press Release
April 15, 2026 – Ottawa, Ont. – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
On April 15, 2026, the Canadian Forces Military Police (CF MP) charged two members of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) with multiple service offences as a result of the investigation into the death of Petty Officer 2nd Class (PO 2) Gregory Applin.
Master Sailor (MS) David Terry, serving in His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Montréal at the time of the alleged offences, is charged with the following service offences:
One (1) count of criminal negligence causing bodily harm, under section 130 of the National Defence Act (NDA), pursuant to section 221 of the Criminal Code of Canada (CC.)
One (1) count of negligent performance of military duties under section 124 of the NDA.
Sailor First Class (S1) Alexandre Garrison, from Naval Fleet School (Atlantic) at the time of the alleged offences, is charged with the following service offences:
One (1) count of dangerous operation of a conveyance causing death, under section 130 of the NDA, pursuant to sub-section 320.13(3) of the CC.
One (1) count of negligent performance of military duties under section 124 of the NDA.
Quotes
“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.”
Brigadier-General Vanessa Hanrahan, Canadian Forces Provost Marshal
Quick facts
This update from the CF MP 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.
As with all judicial proceedings, the accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
On the evening of January 24, 2025, PO 2 Applin was travelling in a Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) in Bedford Basin, near Halifax, Nova Scotia, when the RHIB struck a mooring buoy and capsized.
PO 2 Applin and one other RCN member were rescued by a nearby vessel and transported to hospital, where PO 2 Applin died as a result of the incident.
The Military Police investigation into the death of PO 2 Applin has now concluded. Should the charges laid proceed to prosecution, they will be tried in the military justice system. To protect the integrity of future judicial proceedings and/or decisions, no further information on details or evidence relating to the case will be provided.
In the enforcement of 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.