By Canadian Press

Quebec police investigating after Premier Philippe Couillard’s boat sinks

Jul 30, 2018 | 8:30 AM

SAINT-PRIME, Que. — Authorities are investigating after a fishing boat belonging to Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard sank while docked at a marina in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region.

Quebec provincial police are looking at mechanical failure and not vandalism as the reason for the sinking.

While police wouldn’t say the vessel belonged to Couillard, a spokeswoman for the premier confirmed he is the owner.

Sgt. Hugues Beaulieu says the boat has been sent for a mechanical inspection.

Police were called at around noon Sunday about a boat that had sunk in Saint-Prime, located on the shores of Lac-Saint-Jean, about 450 kilometres northeast of Montreal.

HERE'S WHAT TO KNOW

Summer pool hours extended and discounts applied as Big Marble Go Centre upgrades start

7h ago

Medicine Hat company drawing in clients with witty signage

Apr 16, 2024

Medicine Hat College holding event for missing and murdered Indigenous women awareness day

Apr 16, 2024

The town is located in Couillard’s Roberval riding.

The sinking gave rise to numerous partisan jokes on social media with a provincial election coming in October.

Couillard’s press secretary, Jocanne Prevost, refused to be drawn into the social media swipes.

“That’s a funny question,” she said. “I don’t see it as an omen: we can’t control what’s happening on social media.”

The Canadian Press