The log measured approximately 20 feet in length and eight inches in diameter. The kayakers are lucky to have escaped serious injuries. (Nanaimo RCMP)

By Jordan Davidson

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‘Could have killed them both:’ man arrested after dropping log on kayakers

Aug 10, 2022 | 1:44 PM

NANAIMO — Two kayakers were able to avoid serious injuries after someone dropped a large log on them from the top of a cliff.

Nanaimo RCMP say on Aug. 6 shortly before 7:00 p.m. a man and woman were kayaking in the waters off Jesse Island in the Stephenson Point area when they noticed a man appeared above them on a cliff on the Island.

Nanaimo RCMP Res. Cst. Gary O’Brien said the kayakers were looking at some rock formations when the man spoke up.

“They had a short exchange with that person, and that individual told them they weren’t wanted on the island,” O’Brien told NanaimoNewsNOW. “They told him they weren’t planning on going on the Island, they were paddling in their kayaks and well within their right to do so. So they ignored him and continued on their way.”

A few minutes later they heard some noise above them and saw the same man pushing a large log off a cliff directly above them.

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“They weren’t antagonistic towards the individual at all, there was no provocation on their part as far as why the log was pushed.”

The log hit the female kayaker in the back with enough force that it knocked her into the water.

The male kayaker was also hit, but he managed to stay upright in his kayak and help his friend to shore near Stephenson Point.

Several witnesses had already reported the incident to police.

O’Brien said the kayakers were extremely lucky.

“That log could have killed them both from the distance it fell and the weight of the log. They are extremely lucky to avoid significant serious injury.”

The female kayaker suffered some tissue damage and went to the hospital to get checked over.

Nanaimo RCMP were able to arrest a 37-year-old male for assault with a weapon.

He was later released from custody with a court date of Nov. 9, 2022. His name can’t be released as he has not been formally charged.

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jordan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @JordanDHeyNow