New trial dates have been set for a Pouch Cove man accused of forcing a carload of teenagers off the road and into the ocean.

By all accounts it was pure luck that no one was seriously hurt or died in the dramatic events of almost exactly two years ago.

It was just after 4:00 a.m. on Remembrance Day in 2023 when police first got reports of a car floating in the ocean near the slipway in Pouch Cove.

They later described “an interaction” between two vehicles, with one of them going off the road and splash-landing in the water. Miraculously, all five teenagers were able to get out and safely scramble to shore, cold and wet but otherwise OK — unlike their car which was left a total wreck on the rocks.

Two days later, then 21-year-old Ray O’Keefe was arrested and charged with five counts each of aggravated assault and assault with a weapon, namely his vehicle, as well as failing to remain at the scene, and dangerous driving.

He was released on bail, pleaded not guilty and a four-day trial was set for May of this year. But that was postponed as the Crown sought transcripts of statements by some witnesses, and the availability of another.

Those issues now appear to be resolved, with new trial dates set for next year during five days in May.