43-foot boat runs aground on Martha’s Vineyard, operator arrested

A man was arrested last week for allegedly being drunk when he ran a 43-foot boat aground on Martha’s Vineyard, officials said. 

Riley Blizard, 32, of Cotuit, was arrested on charges of operating a boat under the influence of alcohol and negligent operation of a boat after failing field sobriety tests on scene, State Police said in a press release. 

The incident happened on Friday evening when State Police were notified at around 9:40 p.m. that a large boat had run aground on Chappaquiddick Island, according to the release. The responding trooper identified the boat as a 43-foot Hinckley Sport Boat 40C.

Two men were on the boat at the time of the crash, State Police said. The men told police that a “navigational error” was made, officials said.

When the trooper talked to Blizard, who was operating the boat at the time of the crash, he “immediately recognized the signs of impairment,” the press release said. 

The trooper took Blizard to a nearby road to administer field sobriety tests. Based on the tests, Blizzard was arrested and transported to Dukes County Jail for booking, State Police said. 

Blizard was arraigned at Edgartown District Court, according to police.