A Toronto man’s cross-Canada escapade, culminating in his arrest aboard a drifting boat in the Atlantic Ocean, might soon be demystified at a provincial court hearing in Port Hawkesbury, N.S. next month. Identified as 31-year-old Mohammad Yazed Saleh, he had outstanding arrest warrants dating back to 2023 for weapons offenses in British Columbia and Alberta. Saleh allegedly stole a truck and made his way to Nova Scotia, where he was seen taking a boat from the Lennox Passage Yacht Club marina in D’Escousse. During a court appearance on Oct. 9, Saleh hinted at his motives, mentioning leaving behind a lucrative business and expressing fear for his life, resulting in his abrupt departure. Despite his disclosure, the exact reasons for his sudden flight and arrival at D’Escousse remain unclear.
Saleh faces multiple charges in Nova Scotia, including possession of a stolen truck, theft of a boat from the marina, and weapons offenses related to knives. Surveillance footage at the marina captured Saleh leaving in the stolen boat after parking the truck. He was subsequently apprehended near Sable Island in September following a collaborative effort involving police, fisheries officers, the coast guard, and the military. Currently in custody, Saleh’s bail hearing was postponed as discussions between the prosecution and defense are ongoing. Both sides agreed to reconvene on Nov. 20 to provide an update on the case’s progress.