Urgent Update: Boat Operator Charged After Son’s Drowning in Lake Ontario

UPDATE: A tragic incident on Lake Ontario has led to the drowning death of 27-year-old Azaan Moosa, sparking urgent charges against the boat operator. Nazme Saqqe, aged 35, was charged with criminal negligence causing death on October 7, 2025, after police investigations revealed serious safety violations.

The harrowing events unfolded on August 22, 2025, when Azaan left his family’s Toronto property management office, excitedly heading to a family party. His father, Sabir Moosa, recalls the last conversation they had, saying, “He said, ‘I’ll see you in the morning.’ Those were the last words I exchanged with him.”

Hours later, everything changed. At approximately 1:03 a.m. on August 23, Sabir was jolted awake by a scream from his daughter, breaking the news that Azaan had disappeared after falling from a rented boat near the Toronto Islands. “My wife started crying, and I was trying to bargain with my lord,” Sabir said, recounting the moment they rushed to the waterfront.

When they arrived, police directed them to St. Michael’s Hospital. Sabir struggled to enter, fearing the worst, which was confirmed when doctors informed them of Azaan’s death. Police stated that the boat Azaan was on lacked a proper commercial license and was operated by Saqqe alone, with no crew members present.

The incident involved a total of 16 passengers on the boat. Authorities allege that Azaan fell into the water and was later found deceased. Sabir expressed concern over safety practices, stating, “It doesn’t cost too much to make things safe.”

Compounding the tragedy, Sabir’s daughter indicated that the boat operator had been drinking, a detail not confirmed in the police report. Another passenger reportedly fell overboard but was rescued.

A spokesperson for the Safety Awareness Boating Alliance commended the swift actions of police and federal transport authorities, saying, “This level of response inspires confidence in the public and marks a significant step toward resolving the ongoing safety challenges on our waterways.”

As the investigation continues, Sabir urges all boat operators to prioritize safety, emphasizing that even minimal precautions can save lives. “He could have done that,” he lamented, reflecting on the preventable nature of this tragedy.

The charges against Nazme Saqqe remain unproven in court as the community mourns the loss of Azaan Moosa. As this developing story unfolds, safety on Toronto’s waterways is under renewed scrutiny, and the impact of this incident will resonate far beyond the shores of Lake Ontario.