A man from Toronto who was evading trouble and took control of a boat named The Getaway learned a lesson about the irony of names. Last year, Mohammad Yazed Saleh, 31, traveled from Alberta to the Lennox Passage Yacht Club in D’Escousse, N.S., where he seized a Cape Islander fishing boat. A week later, he was discovered adrift in the Atlantic Ocean east of Sable Island, heading towards hazardous waters.
Saleh confessed to stealing the boat and having a stolen truck from Alberta, claiming he was fleeing organized crime and aiming to seek asylum in Morocco. Crown prosecutor Keavin Gallant Finnerty remarked on the rarity of such a case in Canadian law, given the unusual circumstances of Saleh’s offshore discovery.
Despite Saleh’s eight-month sentence, with credit for time served since his arrest, he is being released this week. The sentence, jointly recommended by both the Crown and defense, holds Saleh accountable for his serious offense.
Saleh stated in court that he felt threatened after a man in Edmonton assisted him with his car restoration business, leading him to fear for his life. Although RCMP found no evidence of organized crime involvement as Saleh claimed, he was granted the recommended sentence.
Judge Laurie Halfpenny-MacQuarrie acknowledged the challenge of accepting an eight-month sentence, particularly with Saleh’s prior robbery conviction. However, considering Saleh’s circumstances at the time of the incident, the judge recognized his desperate actions.
Saleh’s lawyer, Adam Rodgers, emphasized Saleh’s lack of sailing experience and underestimation of the dangers of the Atlantic Ocean in September. Rodgers pointed out the peril Saleh faced due to the rough seas and potential fuel shortages during hurricane season.
Surveillance footage revealed Saleh arriving at the yacht club in a pickup truck and taking The Getaway. He reportedly chose the boat based on its name, which ultimately led to his capture in a joint operation involving the coast guard, RCMP, and military.
Saleh expressed remorse in court, thanking his rescuers after enduring supply shortages and seasickness. He expressed a desire to take responsibility for his actions and start anew in Nova Scotia with his family.
Saleh no longer fears for his safety and has abandoned plans to seek asylum abroad. His hope now is to settle in Nova Scotia and reunite with his loved ones, acknowledging the kindness he has encountered in the province.
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