Alleged drunk kayaker rescued in trinity Inlet, charged with drunk driving

A kayaker is accused of being almost five times over the legal limit after he had to be rescued from the water when he fell out of his kayak.

Police have charged a 40-year-old Manoora man following an alleged drink driving of a vessel incident at the Cairns Harbour in Trinity Inlet on September 13. Photo: Supplied

A kayaker is accused of being almost five times over the legal limit after he had to be rescued from the water when he fell out of his kayak.

A 40-year-old Manoora man was arrested and charged with drink driving of a vessel after Ports North staff rescued him from Trinity Inlet in Cairns on Wednesday.

“It will be alleged at approximately midday, the man was operating a 3-metre kayak in an erratic and dangerous manner,” a QPS spokesman said.

“Bystanders saw the man fall from the kayak before he had difficulty climbing back on board.”

He was arrested by officers from the Cairns water police and transported to the Cairns Police Station for a breath test where he allegedly returned a positive reading of 0.241.

The man’s driver's licence was immediately suspended, and he was charged with one count of driving a vessel while under the influence of liquor.

Officer in Charge of Cairns Water Police Sergeant Andrew Ibell said people needed to be safe near water.

“These types of incidents are a good reminder that anyone operating any type of watercraft must be under the legal alcohol limit,” he said.

“Had it not been for the intervention of Ports North staff members, it is likely that this event would have resulted in the loss of life.”

He is expected to face court at a later date.

Originally published as Alleged drunk kayaker rescued in trinity Inlet, charged with drunk driving