Drunk skipper runs aground in Martha’s Vineyard boat bungle, police say

EDGARTOWN, Mass. (WLNE) — A skipper may have had a more eventful trip than he bargained for while sailing around the Vineyard this past weekend.

The Massachusetts State Police Department said 32-year-old Riley Blizard of Cotuit was arrested for operating under the influence after running his boat aground on Chappaquiddick Island around 9:40 p.m. Friday.

Police said two men were aboard the 43-foot-long sport boat when it crashed, explaining that a navigational error was made.

Blizard allegedly showed signs of impairment during a conversation with a responding trooper, who initiated field sobriety tests on nearby Chappaquiddick Road.

Based on the results of the tests, Blizard was placed under arrest and transported to Dukes County Jail for booking.

Blizard was charged with operating a boat under the influence of liquor and negligent operation of a boat, according to state police.

He was scheduled to be arraigned at Edgartown District Court.