S.A.B.A. Calls for Criminal Investigation

Toronto, ON – The Safety Awareness Boating Alliance (S.A.B.A.) confirms that a formal request has been made to Detective Stewart of the Toronto Police Service – 14th Division,  for a criminal investigation into the tragic death of 27-year-old Azaan Moosa on August 23, 2025, during an illegal yacht charter in Toronto Harbour.

Evidence already obtained confirms this was not a recreational outing but a paid charter conducted by an unlicensed and illegal operator. Twenty-three passengers were onboard, placing lives at risk on a vessel that would never have met Transport Canada’s requirements for commercial passenger service.

Under the Canadian Criminal Code, Section 222(5) defines homicide as occurring when, through criminal negligence, a person causes the death of another. Section 220, Criminal Negligence Causing Death, directly applies when reckless disregard for life and safety results in fatality.

S.A.B.A. maintains that this was not an accident but a foreseeable and preventable death caused by systemic negligence and deception. Similar tragedies, such as the 2023 drowning of Abeeku Arhin, highlight the risks when illegal operators are not held accountable as homicides.

We recognize and commend Ports Toronto and Transport Canada for the significant steps taken this season to safeguard Toronto’s harbour. Their enforcement actions have made a measurable difference. We further encourage collaboration between Transport Canada and Toronto Police to ensure this case is fully investigated.

S.A.B.A. will continue to support the victim’s family and provide documentation to authorities but will not release further evidentiary details publicly at this stage in order to respect and protect the integrity of the ongoing criminal process.