Cape Man Charged After Alleged Drunk Boating Crash on Vineyard

MARTHA’S VINEYARD (WBSM) — A Cape Cod man has been arrested for operating a boat while allegedly drunk after the boat ran aground on Martha’s Vineyard.

Massachusetts State Police report that on May 31 at around 9:40 p.m., troopers were notified of a large boat that had run aground on Chappaquiddick Island. Trooper Zachary Bolcome arrived at the beach and found the stranded vessel, a 43-foot Hinckley Sport Boat 40C.

The trooper and Edgartown Police found two men were on the boat when it crashed. The men said that a navigational error was made.

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According to state police, Bolcome spoke to the operator of the boat – RIley Blizard, 32, of Cotuit – and “immediately recognized signs of impairment.” Both Blizard and his passenger were then given field sobriety tests.

Courtesy Massachusetts State Police

Because of the results of the tests, Blizard was placed under arrest and transported to Dukes County Jail.

He was scheduled to be arraigned in Edgartown District Court on charges of operating a boat under the influence of liquor and negligent operation of a boat.

Courtesy Massachusetts State Police

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