Chilliwack RCMP have launched an investigation after a man fishing from the river bank was savagely beaten by three men who rushed to a boat near the Lumsden Road area.
Read more: Fisherman’s beating caught on video sparks Chilliwack RCMP investigation
Witnesses told Global News that fishermen on the shore had previously shouted at the boat to slow down. “I’m sorry,” said Rocky McIntyre, president of the Fraser Valley Jet Boaters Association. “We started this group to remember our friend Alan who died when he was on his jet that crashed… the fact that our community is just being tarnished and torn apart, it just hurts to watch. I just want everyone to get along and I want there to be respect between all user groups.” Story continues below ad 0:47 Chilliwack RCMP investigate beating of fisherman caught on video McIntyre said he could not talk about the specifics of what happened Sunday, but that there has long been friction between fishermen and jet boaters on the river that may have reached a “boiling point.” He claimed it is not unusual for fishermen on the shore to curse or throw stones at people boating on the river, and said one man broke the window on his own boat with a thrown stone. Trending Stories
Federal privacy commissioner investigating controversial ArriveCAN app Pope Francis denounces ‘evil’ of sexual abuse during Mass in Quebec
“It’s not illegal to run these jet boats on the river — it’s illegal, however, to harass people fishing and it’s illegal to harass people boating,” he said.
Read more: ATV activity near critical Fraser River fish habitat alerts conservationists
“Everyone’s behavior has to change, we have to be able to come together as a community.” Story continues below ad McIntyre acknowledged that regulations require boats to maintain 10 km/h when within 30 meters of shore and said it was a rule his team members were serious about following. Tixweeltel Kelsey Charlie, a councilor for the Sts’Ailes First Nation, through whose territory the river runs, said he has had concerns for some time about potential conflicts on the river. 2:11 Concern over potential destruction of Fraser River fish habitat Concern over potential destruction of Fraser River fish habitat – February 7, 2021 “A disaster or a tragedy is imminent because there’s so much movement and rutting going on in that little river, the exact same scenario — someone flies in a jet boat and people are just standing there and they’re a stone’s throw away from another,” he said. . “Of course there are tensions that are going to rise because somebody is on board and they feel entitled to ride here and there other guys on the beech and they feel like they have to do what they need to do. I am doing. So I really feel like something is going to happen. Story continues below ad
Read more: Conservationists eye ‘Heart of Fraser’ in bid to preserve critical fish stocks
Charlie said the nation is considering mitigation measures it could implement on the river for the safety, not only of boats and fishermen, but of families and children who use the area for picnics and swimming. The beating victim was hospitalized for a concussion and fractures to his nose and cheek and has since been released. Chilliwack RCMP say they have received several tips about who may be involved and are trying to piece together what led up to the attack. © 2022 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
