# ReleasableAccidents

BARDID: KY-2011-0047
Date: 2011-10-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:31:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: HERRINGTON LAKE
NearestCityTown: BURGIN
County: MERCER
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INATTENTION
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Fixed Object
AccidentEvent2: Collision with Recreational Vessel
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
OPEARATOR OF VESSEL ONE  DEPARTED A BOAT DOCK AND WAS TRAVELING TOWARDS A DAM. OPERATOR ONE ADVISED THAT HE THOUGHT HE WAS FOLLOWING THE ROCKS ALONG THE SHORE LINE AND WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 35-40 MPH. THE ABOVE STRUCK A PRIVATELY OWNED BOAT DOCK, CAUSING HIS BOAT TO GO AIRBORNE, STRIKING THE DOCK, A BOAT PARKED AT THE DOCK AND TRAVELING THE OPPOSITE SIDE, BEFORE COMING TO A FINAL REST IN THE LAKE. OPERATOR OF VESSEL ONE STATED HE DRANK ALCOHOL EARLIER IN THE DAY. OPEARTOR OF VESSEL ONE WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL FOR HIS INJURIES. PFD'S WHERE NOT BEING WORN OR USED ON VESSEL ONE. ALCOHOL WAS INVOLVED IN THIS ACCIDENT.


BARDID: KY-2011-0048
Date: 2011-11-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:51:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: CEDAR CREEK LAKE
NearestCityTown: STANFORD
County: LINCOLN
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: People on Gunwale, Bow, or Transom
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
VICTIM AND PASSENGER WERE ON A TWO MAN VESSEL WHEN THE VICTIM DECIDED TO SWITCH PLACES. THE VICTIM STOOD UP AND STEPPED ON THE SIDE OF THE VESSEL AND THAT WAS WHEN THE VESSEL FLIPPED BOTH PERSONS ONBOARD INTO THE WATER.  WITNESSES RECOVERED THE OTHER PERSON ON BOARD, BUT VICTIM DID NOT MAKE IT. ALCOHOL WAS NOT INVOLVED IN THIS ACCIDENT AND PFD'S WERE NOT BEING WORN OR USED.


BARDID: KY-2011-0050
Date: 2011-11-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE CUMBERLAND
NearestCityTown: MONTICELLO
County: WAYNE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentCause2: IMPROPER LOOKOUT
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR RAN VESSEL AGROUND AT 6:30 PM. OPERATOR WAS ENTERING THE MOUTH OF BEAVER CREEK WHEN HE OBSERVED TWO VESSELS DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF HIS PATH. OPERATOR VEERED TO THE LEFT SHORELINE TO OVERTAKE THE VESSELS IN FRONT OF HIM WHEN OPERATOR MADE CONTACT WITH THE SHORELINE. NO INURIES WHERE SUSTAINED IN THIS ACCIDENT. ALCOHOL USE IS UNKNOWN.  PFD'S WHERE NOT BEING WORN OR USED.


BARDID: KY-2011-0051
Date: 2011-12-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:15:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: OHIO RIVER
NearestCityTown: RAGLAND
County: MCCRACKEN
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Overloading
AccidentCause2: NAVIGATION RULES VIOLATION
AccidentCause3: OPERATOR INATTENTION
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: CAPSIZING
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR OF VESSEL WAS LAUNCHING A VESSEL INTO THE WATER. PERSONS ON BOARD WERE DUCK HUNTING AND WERE ATTEMPTING TO CROSS A 600 FOOT STRETCH OF WATER TO GET TO THE PASSENGERS BLIND.  TEH VESSEL WAS POWERED BY A SMALL TROLLING MOTOR. THE OPERATOR HAD THREE OTHER PASSENGERS WITH HIM IN THE VESSEL, TWO ADULTS AND HIS TEN YEAR OLD SON. ONE OF THE ADULT PASSENGERS WAS WEARING A FLOAT COAT. NONE OF THE OTHER OCCUPANTS WERE WEARIGN A PFD, NOR DID THE VESSEL HAVE ANY OTHERS ON BOARD. OPERATOR WAS ATTEMPTING TO CROSS WATER WHEN THe VESSEL STARTED TO TAKE ON WATER OVER THE BOW APPROXIMATELY 200 YARDS FROM SHORE.  TEH VESSEL BEGAN TO SINK AND THEN CAPSIZED EJECTING ALL OCCUPANTS INTO THE WATER. OCCUPANTS OF VESSEL SWAM TO SOME NEARBY TREES WHERE THEY HUNG ON CALLING FOR HELP. ONE OF THE SUBJECTS PHONE WORKED WHERE HE MANAGED TO GET A CALL FOR HELP. ALL SUBJECTS WERE REMOVED FROM THE WATER.  THREE OF THE FOUR PASSENGERS WERE TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL. ALCOHOL AND OR DRUG USE WAS NOT SUSSPECTED IN THIS ACCIDENT.


BARDID: KY-2011-0052
Date: 2011-11-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:45:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: CAVE RUN LAKE
NearestCityTown: WEST LIBERTY
County: MORGAN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: UNKN
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Machinery Failure
MachineryFailure: Electrical
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/Swamping
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL ONE BURNed AND SUNK DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE. ALCOHOL WAS NOT A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR. ONE OF THE TWO PASSENGERS WAS WEARING A PFD. OFFICERS ARRIVED ON THE SCENE WHEN NOTIFIED ONE WEEK AFTER ACCIDENT.


BARDID: KY-2011-0053
Date: 2011-08-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 00:14:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: OHIO RIVER
NearestCityTown: BELLEVUE
County: CAMPBELL
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Inadequate Onboard Navigation Lights
AccidentCause3: NAVIGATION RULES VIOLATION
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
AccidentEvent3: FLOODING/SWAMPING
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL ONE WAS ANCHORED NEAR A RIVERBEND MUSIC CONCERT AND AFTER THE CONCERT THE PARTY OF FIVE ON BOARD ON VESSEL ONE WENT DOWN RIVER TO A DOCK AND THEN BACK UPRIVER TOWaRDS A BOAT RAMP ON THE OHIO BANK. VESSEL ONE WAS TRAVELING APPROX. 30 MPH. VESSEL TWO LEFT THE HARBOUR HEADING DOWNRIVER TOWARDS CINNCINNATI, CRUISING AT IDLE SPEED WHEN OPERATOR SAW VESSEL ONE CLOSING IN. VESSEL TWO OPERATOR STATED TAHT IT LOOKED AS THOUGH VESSEL ONE WOULD PASS ON HIS PORT SIDE, THEN VESSEL ONE SUDDENLY MADE A SHARP TURN TO VESSEL TWO'S PORT, HITTING THE PORT SIDE OF VESSEL TWO. SOMETIME DURING THE IMPACT, THE FATAL VICTIM WAS EJECTED INTO THE WATER.  THE REST OF THE PASSENGERS ON VESSEL ONE STAYED ON BOARD. WITHIN TWO MINUTES VESSEL ONE SANK AND ALL OCCUMPANTS OF VESSEL TWO THREW THEM PFD'S. THE OCCUPANTS ON VESSEL ONE WERE HELPED ONTO VESSEL TWO BUT ALL SUSTAINED INJURIES OF VARYING DEGREES. NO ONE WAS INJURED FROM VESSEL TWO.  ACCORDING TO OPERATOR OF VESSEl TWO, VESSEL ONE WAS OPERATING WITHOUT NAVIGATIONAL LIGHTS. IT IS UNCLEAR WHO WAS OPERATING VESSEL ONE AT THE TIME OF IMPACT. PFD'S WHERE NOT BEING WORN OR USED. VESSEL TWO HAD NO ALCOHOL INVOLVEMENT, AND VESSEL ONE WAS UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF DRUGS AND ALCOHOL.


BARDID: KY-2011-0054
Date: 2011-10-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:00:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: GREEN RIVER
NearestCityTown: CENTRAL CITY
County: MUHLENBERG
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: None
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Machinery Failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL 1 WAS FOUND WITHOUT AN OPERATOR DOWN STREAM FRoM THE BOAT RAMP. THE OPERATOR FAILED TO RETURN HOME AFTER A DAY OF FISHING. THE SEARCH FOR THE BODY STARTED ON OCT 17TH AND ENDED ON THE 20TH OF OCT. A CONVENIENT STORE HAD VIDEO OF THE VICTIM SHOPPING NEAR 12:30 PM ON THE 17TH. A SEARCH OF THE VICTIM’S TRUCK THAT WAS PARKED ON THE BOAT RAMP CONTAINED HIS WALLET WITH AROUND $500 CASH AND OTHER PERSONAL EFFECTS WITH THE WINDOWS ROLLED DOWN. THIS LED OFFICERS TO BELIEVE THAT HE DID NOT LEAVE HIS TRUCK AT THE DOCK WHILE HE WAS OUT FISHING, BUT RATHER CAME BACK FROM FISHING, RETRIEVED HIS TRUCK AND TRAILER, THEN HAD SOME TYPE OF MISFORTUNE.   THE OPERATOR’S BODY WAS FOUND APPROXIMATELY ¼ MILE DOWNSTREAM FROM THE BOAT RAMP. A DECISION WAS MADE NOT TO DO AN AUTOPSY.


BARDID: KY-2011-0055
Date: 2011-10-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:44:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: PIGEON ROOST CREEK FLOODWATER
NearestCityTown: MCKEE
County: JACKSON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Improper Loading
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/Swamping
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR AND CASUALTY VICTIM WERE FISHING FROM A JON BOAT IN THE POND WHEN DECEASED FELL OVERBOARD.  THERE WHERE NO PFD'S ONBOARD THE VESSEL ANDI T WAS MANUALLY PROPELLED BY BOTH PARTIES USING PADDLES. THE MEN HAD BEEN FISHING AND WHEN DECEASED STOOD UP IN THE VESSEL, HE LOST HIS BALANCE AND FEEL OVERBOARD. WHEN DECEASED ATTEMPTED TO REBOARD THE VESSEL FROM THE STERN, HE CAUSED THE VESSEL TO SWAMP.  OPERATOR WAS ABLE TO SWIM TO THE BANK AND WAS ABLE TO SUMMON ASSISTANCE.  DECEASED WAS LAST SEEN SWIMMING TOWARD THE BANK WHERE HE WAS LATER RECOVERED.  DRUGS/ALCOHOL WAS NOT SUSPECTED IN THIS FATAL ACCIDENT.


BARDID: KY-2011-9001
Date: 2011-06-01 00:00:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: Ohio River
WaterConditions: UNKNOWN
Wind: UNKNOWN
Visibility: UNKN
DayofWeek: WEDNESDAY
AccidentCause1: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (unknown origin)
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel became engulfed in fire while docked.  The two occupants had left the vessel to eat at the restaurant. The vessel was destroyed.


BARDID: KY-2012-0001
Date: 2012-03-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:00:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: TENNESSE RIVER
NearestCityTown: GILBERTSVILLE
County: MARSHALL
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause3: Dam/lock
MachineryFailure: Engine
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel one was on the tennessee river below the kentucky dam. There were three gates open on the dam discharging water. According to witnesses at the scene and the surviving passenger from vessel one the following events occurred. Vessel one was near the new bridge piers and drifting south toward the dam due to current. Vessel one had motor problems and the motor would not pull itself. Vessel one drifted too close discharging waters from dam and operator yelled for help.  A witness vessel nearby came to the aid and tried to pull vessel one away from the dam but was unable. Discharged water started landing on vessel one. All three occupants were ejected into the water. One occupant was rescued by a nearby vessel . Two other occupants were not located and are still missing. Small amounts of debris have been located, pieces of seats, fuel tank, life jackets, and a bill of sale. Vessel one has not been recovered..as of 4/1/2013, the bodies of the missing have not been recovered.


BARDID: KY-2012-0002
Date: 2012-04-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:10:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE MALONE
NearestCityTown: LEWISBURG
County: LOGAN
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unkn
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Congested waters
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL ONE WAS TRAVELING SOUTH WHILE VESSEL TWO WAS TRAVELING NORTH IN A NARROW PORTION OF THE LAKE. VESSEL ONE STRUCK VESSEL TWO IN THE PORT SIDE NEAR MIDDLE AND TRAVElLED OVER TOP AND LANDED BACK IN THE WATER. OPERATOR OF VESSEL ONE STATED HE WAS RUNNING ON PLANE AT APROX 35 MPH WHEN HE SAW VESSEL TWO TRAVELING OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS AND SUDDENLY VESSEL TWO SWERVED TOWARD THIM. VESSEL ONE OPERATOR STATED  HE THOUGHT THE OTHER VESSEL WAS GOING TO PASS ON HIS RIGHT SO HE SWERVED LEFT, THEN VESSEL TWO SWERVED BACK THE OTHER WAY CAUSING VESSEL ONE  TO SWERVE BACK THE OTHER DIRECTION. BY THAT TIME VESSEL ONE HIT VESSEL TWO IN THE SIDE. ALCOHOL WAS NOT INVOLVED IN THIS ACCIDENT. PASSENGERS ON VESSEL ONE WERE WEARIGN PFD'S.


BARDID: KY-2012-0003
Date: 2012-02-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:50:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: CUMBERLAND LAKE
NearestCityTown: ALBANY
County: CLINTON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Restricted vision
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL ONE WAS ON PLANE WHEN IT IMPACTED VESSEL TWO WHICH WAS NOT MOVING. VESSEL ONE OPERATOR WAS OBSTRUCTED BY PASSENGERS SiTTING ON tHe FRONT DECK. WHEN OPERATOR OF VESSEL TWO WAS AWARE OF THE iMPACT, OPERATOR JUMPED OVER BOARD. ALCOHOL WAS NOT INVOLVED. PFD'S WERE NOT BEING WORN ON EITHER VESSEL.


BARDID: KY-2012-0004
Date: 2012-05-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:18:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: HERRINGTON LAKE
NearestCityTown: LANCASTER
County: GARRARD
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: None
Visibility: Unkn
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
MachineryFailure: Engine
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Struck by Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
INJURED WHO WAS OPERATOR OF VESSEL ONE ADVISED THAT SHe WAS PASSING A PONTOON BOAT TO HER RIGHT WHEN SOME LARGE WAVES STARTED COMINg IN AND WAS PUSHING HER TO THE RIGHT. SHE THEN SLOWED DOWN BECAUSE OF THE WAVES AND THEN THE PWC STALLED. AT THIS TIME VESSEL ONE WAS BeING PUSHED SIDEWAYS, THEN OPERATOR NOTICED THE PONTOON COMING AT HER ABOUT 30 FEET AWAY. OEPRATOR STATED THAT SHE THEN STOOD UP WAVING AND YELLING SO VESSEL TWO COULD STIR AWAY, BUT THEN VESSEL ONE OPERATOR REALIZED SHE WAS GOING TO BE HIT AND SHE JUMPED TO HER LEFT AS THE PONTOON BOAT STEERED TO ITS LEFT.  OPERATOR OF VESSEL ONE WAS STRUCK BY THE SIDE OF VESSEL TWO AND BY THE METAL HULL. INJURED WAS WEARING A PFD, ALL OTHERS WERE NOT. ALCOHOL WAS NOT INVOLVED.


BARDID: KY-2012-0005
Date: 2012-05-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:45:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: CAVE RUN LAKE
NearestCityTown: FARMERS
County: ROWAN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Struck by Vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
THE PERSONAL WATERCRAFTS WERE ATTEMPTING TO JUMP THE WAKE OF A PONTOON. THE OPERATOR OF VESSEL TWO WAS ENGAGED IN JUMPING THE WAKE WHEN FROM HER LEFT SHE SAW VESSEL ONE MoVING DIRECTLY AT HER STRIKING HER VESSEL TWO ON THE SIDE AND RUNNING OVER THE TOP OF VESSEL TWO.  THE OPERATOR OF VESSEL TWO WAS THROWN OFF OF THE PWC INTO THE WATER.  THE PONTOON THEN CAME BACK AND PICKED UP BOTH PWC OPERATORS. VESSEL TWO WAS THOUGHT TO HAVE BEEN TAKING ON WATER AND WAS IMMEDIATELY TAKEN TO THE BOAT RAMP. BOTH OPERATORS WERE WEARING PFD'S AND ALCOHOL/DRUGS WERE NOT INVOLVED.


BARDID: KY-2012-0007
Date: 2012-05-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:00:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: NOLIN LAKE
NearestCityTown: BOROWNSVILLE
County: EDMONSON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
RedactedNarrative:
OPERaTOR OF VESSEL ADVISED THAT HE WaS ON THE LAKE ENROUTE TO HIS DOCK WHEN VESSEL STRUCK AN UNDERWATER STUMP, CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE HULL AND THE LOWER UNIT OF THE MOTOR. OEPRATOR ADVISED THAT HE WAS ABLE TO manuever THE VESSEL TO A NEARBY BOAT RAMP.  OPERATOR WAS WEARING PFD AND NO ALCOHOL WAS NOT EBING USED.


BARDID: KY-2012-0008
Date: 2012-05-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: NOLIN LAKE
NearestCityTown: CLARKSON
County: GRAYSON
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Ignition of Spilled Fuel or Vapor
MachineryFailure: Engine
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
RedactedNarrative:
OPeRATOR WAS OPERATING VESSEL A FEW HUNDRED YARDS FROM THE BOAT DOCK TO THE BOAT RAMP TO LOAD IT UP. AFTER DRIVING IT A SHORT DISTANCE FROM THE DOCK THE ENGINE SHUT OFF. OPERATOR ATTEMPTED TO START THE VESSEL AGAIN AND IT BACKFIRED.  OPERATORS WIFE THEN NOTICES THE VESSEL WAS SMOKING AND ON FIRE AROUND THE ENGINE OF THE INBOARD VESSEL. AFTER THE FIRE STARTED THE FOUR PASSENGERS JUMPED OFF THE VESSEL. OPERATOR THEN TRIED TO FIND A FIRE EXTINGUISHER TO PUT THE FIRE OUT. HE THEN REALIZED IT WAS OUT OF CONTROL AND JUMPED INTO THE WATER AS WELL AND SWAM TO THE SHORE.  AFTER THE FAMILY WAS AWAY FROM THE VESSEL, WITNESSES ON JET SKIES TRIED TO PUT THE FIRE OUT BY DRIVING AROUND THE VESSEL SPLASHING WATER ON IT. ALL PASSENGERS WHERE WEARING PFD'S. ALCOHOL WAS NOT INVOLVED.


BARDID: KY-2012-0009
Date: 2012-06-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: OHIO RIVER
NearestCityTown: WEST PORT
County: OLDHAM
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Starting in gear
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR OF VESSEL ONE WAS ATTEMPTING TO START VESSEL ONE WHILE DOCKED ON THE RIVER. OPERATOR STATED AFTER SEVERAL FAILED ATTEMPTS AND WHILE MOVING THE THROTTLE, THE ENGINE STARTED CAUSING THE VESSEL TO ACCELERATE FORWARD STRIKING AN UNOCCUPIED VESSEL. (VESSEL TWO). ALCOHOL WAS NOT INVOLVED AND IT IS UNKNOW IF PFD'S WHERE BEING WORN. OFFICER WAS NOT NOTIFIED UNTIL TWO DAYS LATER.


BARDID: KY-2012-0010
Date: 2012-05-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:40:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: CUMBERLAND LAKE
NearestCityTown: SOMERSET
County: PULASKI
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR OF VESSEL ONE STATED HE WAS TRAVELING NORTH DOWN STREAM ON THE RIVER. WHEN OPERATOR OF VESSEL ONE ATTEMPTED TO MISS A LOG AND RAN HIS VESSEL ONTO THE ROCK BANK.  OPERATOR STATED THAT HE HAD FELT SOME PLAY IN THE STEERING CABLE. ONE PERSON WAS EJECTED FROM THE VESSEL AND TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL BY EMS. 3 OTHER INJURED PERSONS WERE TRANSPORTED BY POV TO HOSPITAL. ALCOHOL USE IS UNKNOWN. PFD'S WHERE NOT BEING WORN OR USED.


BARDID: KY-2012-0011
Date: 2012-06-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: FISHING CREEK
NearestCityTown: SOMERSET
County: PULASKI
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unkn
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR WAS OPERATING VESSEL ALONG WITH PASSENGER WHO WAS A WITNESS PULLING INJURED VICTIM ON TUBE BEHIND VESSEL WHEN VICTIM FELL FROM THE TUBE GETTING HIS RIGHT ARM CAUGHT IN THE ROOE ATTACHED TO THE TUBE RAPPING AROUND HIS RIGHT ARM CUTTING INTO HIS ARM CAUSING DAMAGE BEFORE THE VESSEL CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. ALCOHOL WAS NOT INVOLVED. INJURED VICTIM WAS USING A PFD.


BARDID: KY-2012-0012
Date: 2012-05-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:59:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: GREEN RIVER
NearestCityTown: MUNFORDVILLE
County: HART
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
RedactedNarrative:
INJURED OPERATOR ADVISED THAT HE WAS NAVIGATIng WHEN HE CAME UPON SOME LOGS AND SWIFT WATER. HE ADVISED THAT HE STUCK HIS FOOT OUT TO TURN THE VESSEL SO IT WOULD BE POINTED DOWN STREAM. THAT IS WHEN HIs FOOT BECAME CAUGHT BETWEEN THE LOG AND THE VESSEL. HE ADVISED THAT HE PUSHED DOWN ON THE KAYAK WITH HIS RIGHT LEG FORCING THE VESSEL TO FILL uP WITH WATER AND PINCHING HIS LEFT LEG AGAINST THE LOG. WITNESSES WERE ABLE TO FREE HIM And CALL FOR HELP. WITNESSES BELEIVED INJURED HAD A BROKEN LEG. A PFD WAS BEING WORN AND USED, ALCOHOL WAS NOT INVOLVED IN THIS ACCIDENT.


BARDID: KY-2012-0014
Date: 2012-06-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:44:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: GREEN RIVER LAKE
NearestCityTown: CAMPBELLSVILLE
County: TAYLOR
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR OF VESSEL ONE ADVISED HE AND PASSENGER WERE TRAVELING NEAR THE RIVER AT APPROX 40 MPH ON THIER PWC WHEN THEY ENCOUNTERED ROUGH WATERS INCLUDING VONVERGING WAVES FROM MULTIPLE DIRECTIONS. DURING THIS TIME, THE INJURED PASSENGER WAS UNABLE TO STAY ON THE VESSEL AND WAS EJECTED INTO THE WATER. OPERATOR MADE AN ABRUPT LEFT TURN TO GO BACK TO GET THE INJURED, BUT WAS UNABLE TO LOAD INJURED BACK UP ONTO THE VESSEL DUE TO THE PASSENGERS INJURIES AND THE PAIN THE INJURED WAS ALSO EXPERIENCING. A WITNESS WAS ABLE TO ASSIST IN LOADInG INJURED ONTO ANOTHER VESSEL TO BE TRANSPORTED TO EMS.  ALCOHOL WAS NOT INVOLVED IN THIS ACCIDENT AND PFD'S WERE BEING WORN AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT.


BARDID: KY-2012-0015
Date: 2012-07-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:03:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: CUMBERLAND LAKE
NearestCityTown: MONTICELLO
County: WAYNE
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unkn
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Force of wave/wake
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
WHILE OPERATING A TWENTY FOOT VESSEL IN THE MAIN CHANNEL OF THE LAKE, THE OPERATOR WAS PULLING TWO PASSENGERS ON AN INTERTUBE BEHIND THE VESSEL. WHILE THE VESSEL WAS ON PLANE AT APPROXIMATELY THIRTY MILES PER HOUR THE OPERATOR OF THE VESSEL STRUCK A WAKE THROWING ONE OF THE RIDERS OFF CLEARLY. THE OTHER RIDER, WHO IS THE INJURED WAS STUCK INSIDE THE INTERTUBE AS IT ROLLED TWO TO THREE TIMES.  AT SOME POINT THE INJURED WAS FINALLY THROWN FROM THE TUBE. THE INJURED COMPLAINED OF BACK PAIN AND THE OTHER OCCUPANTS NOTICED INJURED WAS SUFFERING FROM SHORTNESS OF BREATH. ALCOHOL WAS NOT SUSPECTED AND ALL PERSONS INVOLVED WHERE WEARING PFD'S.


BARDID: KY-2012-0017
Date: 2012-06-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: CUMBERLAND LAKE
NearestCityTown: BURNSIDE
County: PULASKI
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Other
OtherAccidentEvent: limb tangled in vessel equipme
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR STATED HE WAS LAUNCHING HIS VESSEL AT THE RAMP. INJURED HAD A HOLD OF THE ROPE ATTACHED TO VESSEL. THE ROPE WRAPPED AROUND HIS LEFT THUMB AND PULLED TIGHT CAUSING THE TIP OF THE INJURED VICTIMS DIGIT TO BE AMPUTATED. EMS DISPATCHE TO THE SCENE AND TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL. PFD'S WHERE BEING WORN AND USED. ALCOHOL WAS NOT INVOLVED IN THIS ACCIDENT.


BARDID: KY-2012-0018
Date: 2012-07-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:40:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: CUMBERLAND LAKE
NearestCityTown: JAMESTOWN
County: RUSSELL
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Other
OtherAccidentEvent: person strikes fixed object
RedactedNarrative:
Operator of vessel one was operating vessel very near the warning buoys in front of the dam of the lake. The vessel was occupied by a total of four persons including the operator. The injured was a passenger located in the front of the vessel stuck his right arm out of the vessel as the vessel passed very close to the warning buoy. The injured's right arm struck the buoy causing a compound fracture. No one else in the vessel was injured. Pfd's were not being worn or used by anyone on the vessel alcohol was a contributing factor in this accident.


BARDID: KY-2012-0021
Date: 2012-05-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:10:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE SHELBY
NearestCityTown: SHELBYVILLE
County: SHELBY
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unkn
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Person Departed Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
OCCUPANTS ON VESSEL ONE WERE FISHING WHEN ONE OF THE OCCUPANTS NOTICED THERE WAS WATER IN THE FLOOR OF THE VESSEL.  THE OPERATOR WENT TO THE DRIVER SEAT TO ATEMPT TO START THE ENGINE WHICH STARTED FOR A SECOND AND DIED. OPERATOR TRIED TO START THE MOTOR 2 -3  MORE TIMES AND IT DID NOT START. AT THIS TIME THE WATER WAS RUSHING INTO THE VESSEL SO HE TOLD THE OTHER PEOPLE ON BOARD TO MOVE TO THE BOW OF THE BOAT. THEY THEN ALL JUMPED INTO THE WATER TRYING TO SWIM TO THE SHORE. ALCOHOL WAS NOT A FACTOR AND PFD'S WERE NOT BEING WORN OR USED.  One person died.


BARDID: KY-2012-0022
Date: 2012-06-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: ROUGH RIVER LAKE
NearestCityTown: LEITCHFIELD
County: GRAYSON
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Grounding
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL WAS TRAVELING UPRIVER ON PLANE WHEN IT STRUCK AN UNSEEN UNDERWATER OBSTRUCTION.  THE COLLISION OF THE LOWER UNIT WITH THE OBJECT DID A LITTLE DAMAGE TO THE PROPELLER, BUT ALSO LIFTED THE VESSEL SLIGHTLY IN THE WATER COLUMN, CAUSING THE VESSEL TO LOOSE TRACTION. WHILE LIFTED ON TOP OF THE OBSTRUCTION, THE VESSEL ROTATED, WHICH CAUSED THE VESSEL TO VEER SHARPLY ONCE IT SETTLED BACK DOWN IN THE WATER COLUMN. BEFORE THE OPERATOR COULD THROTTLE DOWN, THE VESSEL HAD VEERED TOWARD A LARGE ROCK AND COLLIDED WITH IT. THE COLLISION WITH THE ROCK CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE FIBERGLASS HULL ON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE FRONT OF THE VESSEL. ALCOHOL WAS NOT SUSPECTED IN THIS ACCIDENT AND A PFD WAS NOT BEING WORN OR USED. NO INJURIES WHERE SUSTAINED.


BARDID: KY-2012-0023
Date: 2012-07-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: NOLIN LAKE
NearestCityTown: LEITCHFIELD
County: GRAYSON
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Unkn
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with Fixed Object
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR OF VESSEL ONE ADVIsED HE WAS IN THE MARINA AREA WHEN A STRONg WIND CAME UP AND BEGAN BLOWING HIS VESSEL TOWARD VESSEL TWO THAT WAS TIED OFF AT THE DOCK. VESSEL ONE OPERATOR ADVISED THAT HE ATTEMPTED TO USE MOTOR POWER AND THRUSTER POWER TO KEEP FROM HITTING VESSEL TWO WHEN THE WIND WAS VERY UNEXPECED AND CONTINUED TO PUSH UNTIL VESSEL ONE STRUCK VESSEL TWO WHICH PUSHED VESSEL TWO INTO THE DOCK CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE DOCK. ALCOHOL WAS NOT A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR OF THIS ACCIDENT. THERE WHERE NO INJURIES.


BARDID: KY-2012-0024
Date: 2012-06-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: CUMBERLAND LAKE
NearestCityTown: SOMERSET
County: PULASKI
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
OFFICERS WERE PATROLING ON VESSEL TWO WHEN THEY NOTICED VESSEL ONE PULLING A TUBe IN A NO SKI ZONE. THE OPERATOR OF VESSEL TWO PULLED UP NEXT TO VESSEL ONE TO ADDRESS THE VIOLATION. WHEN PULLING UP BESIDE VESSEL ONE, VESSEL TWO'S BUMPER PRESSED AGAINST THE ALUMINUM SKIRTING ON VESSEL ONE CAUSING A DENT UNKNOWN TO THE OCCUPANTS OF VESSEL TWO AS WELL AS THE OCCUPANTS OF VESSEL ONE.  OPERATOR OF VESSEL ONE STATED THAT HE FELT AND HEARD A BUMP BUT DID NOT NOTICE THE DAMAGE UNTIL RETURNING BACK TO THE MARINA.


BARDID: KY-2012-0025
Date: 2012-07-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:20:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAUREL LAKE
NearestCityTown: LONDON
County: LAUREL
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Ignition of Spilled Fuel or Vapor
MachineryFailure: Engine
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR STATED THAT HE WAS COMING OUT OF THE COVE WHEN THE PORT SIDE MOTOR MADE A POP NOISE AND STALLED WHEN HATCH WAS MOVED/OPENED. THE FIRE WAS COMING OUT, AND OPERATOR STATED THE HE TRIED TO PUT IT OUT BUT IT WAS TOo MUCH TO PUT OUT.  FOUR PASSENGERS GOT OFF THE VESSEL ONTO A RESCUE SQUAD BOAT. ONE PASSENGER GOT OFF THE VESSEL AND BOARDED A PONTOON BOAT, THEN TAKEN TO THE SAME BOAT AS THE OTHER PASSENGERS. ALCOHOL WAS NOT A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR. IT IS UNKNOWN BY THE REPORT IF PASSENGERS WHERE WEARING PFD'S.


BARDID: KY-2012-0026
Date: 2012-08-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: CUMBERLAND LAKE
NearestCityTown: MONTICELLO
County: WAYNE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Force of wave/wake
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR WAS TRAVELING WESTBOUND WHEN HE JUST GOT HIS VESSEL ON PLAIN WHEN HE SWEERVED TO MISS A LARGE WAKE. THE VESSEL MADE A QUICK 180 DEGREE U TURN CAUSING THE PASSENGER TO HIT HIS HEAD ON A COLLER ONBOARD THE VESSEL. INJURED HAD ABRASIONS AND CUTS TO HIS FACE AND HAND AREA. OPERATOR LATER STATED THAT BOTH LOWER DRIVES WERE BROKE ON HIS VESSEL. PFD'S WERE NOT BEING WORN OR USED. INJURED PASSENGER ADMITTED TO DRINKING ALCOHOL BUT IT IS UNKNOWN IF THE OPERATOR WAS.
 
THE OWNER STATED THAT BOTH LOWER DRIVES WERE BROKE ON VESSEL. OWBER STATED HE HAD HIS RIGHT DRIVER UNIT WORKED ON IN THE SHOP APPROXIMATELY TO WEEKS PRIOR. OWNER BELEIVES  THE RIGHT DRIVE UNIT BROKE CAUSING THE RIGHT SIDE UNIT TO COME LOSE AND COLLIDE WITH THE LEFT UNIT CAUSING DAMAGE TO BOTH SIDES.


BARDID: KY-2012-0027
Date: 2012-08-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: HERRINGTON LAKE
NearestCityTown: DANVILLE
County: BOYLE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR STATED THAT HE OBSERVED A VESSEL TOWING ANOTHER VESSEL AND SLOWED DOWN TO PASS BY WHEN A JET SKI FOLLOWING THE TOWING VESSELS FLAGGED HIM DOWN. OPERATOR STATED THAT THE VESSEL HAD HIT SUBMERGED ROCKS AND BROKE OFF THE PROPELLER AND LOWER UNIT. ALCOHOL WAS NOT INVOLVED AND PFD'S WHERE NOT BEING WORN OR USED.


BARDID: KY-2012-0028
Date: 2012-08-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:30:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: CUMBERLAND LAKE
NearestCityTown: MONTICELLO
County: WAYNE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR OF VESSEL ONE WAS UNDOCKING VESSEL WHEN OPERATOR RAN INTO THE STARBOARD SIDE oF THE VESSEL INTO VESSEL TWO. OPERATOR OF VESSEL ONE HAD JUST UNTIED  VESSEL ONE  FROM THE DOCK AND WAS TRYING TO MANEUVER  VESSEL ONE AROUND VESSEL TWO AS SHE GOT CLOSER TO THE STERN OF VESSEL TWO SHE TRIED TO ACCELERATE TO AVOID COLLISION BUT WAS UNABLE.  THE STARBOARD SIDE OF VESSEL ONE AND THE WINDSHIELD OF HER VESSEL CONTACTED A SLIDE AND A PWC DOCKING STATION ON THE REAR OF THE HOUSEBOAT. THE COTNACT BROKE THE WINDSHIELD AND BENT THE FRAME AROUND THE WINDSHILD. IT ALSO RIPPED THE SLIDE FROM VESSEL TWO AND CAUSED DAMaGE TO THE PWC DOCKING STATION ON THE REAR OF VESSEL TWO.


BARDID: KY-2012-0029
Date: 2012-07-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:45:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: BARREN RIVER LAKE
NearestCityTown: SCOTTSVILLE
County: BARREN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Failure to vent
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Fire/Explosion (Fuel)
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL WAS TIED TO BANK AND OPERATOR AND PASSENGER WERE IN THE PROCESS OF COOKING DINNER WHEN tHE VESSEL EXPLODED AND WENT UP IN FLAMES. VESSEL HAD A GAS STOVE AND REFRIGERATOR ON THE VESSEL THAT WERE BEING USED AS THEY HAD BAKED POTATOES IN THE COOKING STOVE FOR ABOUT 30 MINUTES. WHEN PASSENGERS WENT TO THE FRONT PORCH TO LIGHT THE GRILL, THEY HAD TROUBLE LIGHTING IT AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE VESSEL EXPLODED FROM THE INSDE PORT SIDE. PASSENGERS TRIED TO GET INSIDE OF VESSEL TO GET A FRIE EXTINGUISHER BUT ANOTHER BOATER WAS YELLING FOR THEM TO GET OFF THE VESSEL BECAUSE THE FLAMES WERE COMING OUT OF THE BACK OF THE VESSELS CABIN AREA. PASSENGERS JUMPED OFF THE FRONT OF THE VESSEL ONTO THE ISLAND AND HEADED FOR THE TIP OF THE ISLAND. AS THE VESSEL BURNED THEIR PROPANE TANKS EXPLODING AND FUEL FROM THE GAS TANK BURNING, THE ROPES HOLDING THE VESSEL ON THE ISLAND BURNED AND THE VESSEL BROKE FREE AND FLOATED TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE COVE WHERE IT CAME TO REST ON THE BANK.THERE WHERE ONLY MINOR INJURIES TO THE PASSENGER LEGS AND WRIST FROM GLASS SCRAPING HER DURING THIS FIRE.


BARDID: KY-2012-0030
Date: 2012-07-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:00:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: CUMBERLAND LAKE
NearestCityTown: JAMESTOWN
County: RUSSELL
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Congested waters
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel one collided with vessel two in a head on situation, hitting bow to starboard side bow, respectfully. Vessel one's starboard chine ramped and traveled over vessel two from the starboard side bow to stern before it disengaged. The collision caused an estimated damage of four thousand dollars to vessel two and five hundred dollars damage to vessel one.  Before the collision occupants on vessel two were able to jump from the vessel into the water. As a result of jumping into the water when passenger of vessel two resurfaced she bumped her head on the hull of vessel two but declined treatment. No one was injured on vessel one. Operator and passenger on vessel one where arrested the night of the collision and have since been changed with two counts of wanton endangerment 2nd degree and three counts of endangering the welfare of a minor. Alcohol was a contributing factor of this accident.


BARDID: KY-2012-0031
Date: 2012-09-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:45:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityTown: AURURA
County: CALLOWAY
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: None
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Fire/Explosion (Fuel)
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR STATED THAT HE HAD BEEN HAVING MOTOR TROUBLE AND THAT HE HAD ASKED HIS FRIEND TO FOLLOW HIM ON THE LAKE FROM A DIFFERENT VESSEL. OPERATOR ALSO STATED THAT THE FIRE STARTED IN THE MID CABIN, THAT THE ONLY FIRE EXTINGUISHER ONBOARD WAS THE HALON SYSTEM, AND THAT AFTER HE NOTICED THERE WAS A FIRE ON THE VESSEL HE JUMPED SHIP. THERE WERE NO INJURIES IN THIS ACCIDENT AND ALCOHOL WAS NOT A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR.


BARDID: KY-2012-0032
Date: 2012-04-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:20:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: LITTLE KEN LAKE
NearestCityTown: ECHOLS
County: OHIO
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Sudden medical condition
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
A LOCAL FISHERMAN HAD NOTICED A TRUCK AND BOAT TRAILER AT THE RAMP AND NOTICED A VESSEL ON THE LAKE THAT WAS UNMANNED. THE FISHERMAN NOTIFIED 911 TO REPORT THE INCIDENT. WHEN THE OFFICERS ARRIVED AT THE SCENE, THE BODY OF THE DECEASED HAD BEEN RECOVERED FROM THE LAKE BY SEARCH AND RESCUE. THERE WAS NO VISIBLE DAMAGE TO THE VESSL OR ANY OF ITS CONTENTS. AUTOPSY RESULTS REVEALED SOME HEALTH ISSUES BUT NO SIGNIFICANT TRAUMA. A PFD WAS NOT BEING WORN.


BARDID: KY-2012-0045
Date: 2012-08-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:41:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: OHIO RIVER
NearestCityTown: MAYSVILLE
County: MASON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Steering
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL WAS TRAVELING DOWN RIVER AND HAD A MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION. THIS CAUSED THE VESSEL TO VEER SHARPLY TO THE RIGH AND CAPSIZE, EJECTING THE PASSENGERS INTO THE WATER. INURED ONE WAS FLOWN TO THE LOCAL HOSPITAL AND HAD A LACERATION ALONG THE BACK OF THE RIGHT LEG AND WAS TREATED AND RELEASED. ALCOHOL WAS NOT A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR IN THIS ACCIDENT AND PFD'S WHERE NOT BEING WORN OR USED BY EITHER PASSNGER OR OPERATOR.


BARDID: KY-2012-0046
Date: 2012-09-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:44:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityTown: GILBERTSVILLE
County: MARSHALL
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Congested waters
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL ONE HAD HIS SAIL SET WEHRE HE COULDNT SEE VESSEL TWO'S VESSEL AND VESSEL TWO'S HAD HIS SAIL SET WHERE HE COULDNT SEE VESSEL ONE'S VESSEL. VESSEL ONE STRUCK VESSEL TWO WITH THE FRONT BOW CAUSING SEVERE DAMAGE TO VESSEL TWO'S BOW. ALCOHOL WAS NOT INVOLVED IN THIS ACCIDENT. VESSEL TWO OPERATOR AND PASSENGER WERE WEARING PFD'S AND VESSEL ONE OPERATOR AND PASSENGERS WERE NOT.


BARDID: KY-2012-0047
Date: 2012-10-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:10:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: CUMBERLAND LAKE
NearestCityTown: MONTICELLO
County: WAYNE
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Equipment failure
EquipmentFailure: Other
OtherEquipmentFailure: stove
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
RedactedNarrative:
AFTER OEPERATOR SPENT THE NIGHT ANCHORED WITH HIS VESSEL IN THE CREEK, THE OWNER/OPERATOR OF VESSEL EXITED VESSEL TO GO FOR A MORNING HIKE ALONG THE SHORELINE.  AS OPERaTOR/OWNER WAS RETURNING FROM HIS HIKE HE OBSERVED FLAMES AND SMOKE COMING FROM HIS VESSEL. HE RAN TO THE VESSEL TO ATTEMPT TO PUT THE FLAMES OUT HOWEVER WAS UNABLE TO GET TO HIS FIRE EXTINGHISHER INSIDE THE CUDDY DUE TO THE HEAT AND FLAMES OF THE FIRE. OPERATOR THEN CALLED 911 AND REPORTED THE HAPPENINGS. THERE WAS NO FUEL ONBOARD AS THE SAILBOAT HAD ONLY AN AUXILLARY TROLLING MOTOR TO HELP POWER. THERE WAS A COOKING STOVE (PRPOPANE) AND AN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM LOCATED THROUGHOUT THE VESSEL POWERED BY TWO DEEP CYCLE MARINE BATTERIES. THE FIRE HAD BURNED THE AREA AROUND THE COOKING STOVE SOMEWHAT MORE SEVERE THAN THE REST OF THE VESSEL. THE OWNER STATED HE HAD USED THe STOVE ON THE PREVIOUS NIGHT TO COOK SUPPER BUT HAD NOT HAD IT ON FOR SEVERAL HOURS PRIOR TO THE FIRE.


BARDID: KY-2012-0048
Date: 2012-08-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:14:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAUREL RIVER LAKE
NearestCityTown: CORBIN
County: WHITLEY
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Electrical
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL ONE WAS TRAVELING UPRIVER AND STRUCK VESSEL TWO WHICH WAS ADRIFT IN THE LAKE. VESSEL TWO WAS DISABLEED AND ADRIFT DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. A BREAKER IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT HAD KICKED AND HAD NOT RESET. WHILE VESSEL TWO WAS FLOATING IT WAS STRUCK BY VESSEL ONE. VESSEL ONE WAS TRAVELING UP RIVER WHEN THE RUDDER KEYWAY FELL OUT, CAUSING THE STEERING SYSTEM TO FAIL.  VESSEL ONE STRUCK THE RIGHT REAR CORNER OF VESSEL TWO WITH THE RIGHT EDGE OF HIS BOW. THERE WERE NO INJURIES INVOLVED. ALCOHOL WAS NOT INVOLVED IN THIS ACCIDENT.


BARDID: KY-2012-0049
Date: 2012-07-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:00:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: OHIO RIVER
NearestCityTown: OSCAR
County: BALLARD
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause3: Dam/lock
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
AccidentEvent3: Flooding/swamping
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel one was fishing in very close proximity to dam 53 anchored in the slack water next to the turbulent waters being expelled from the dams wickets. According to the operator of the vessel the passenger attemped to raise the anchor so that they could get closer to the dam. Upon the anchor being raised the vessel was swept into the rushing water from the wickets ejecting both operator and passenger into the water. According to the witness working at the dam the first time the vessel was noticed was approximately 600 yards down stream.  The vessel was floating upright but nearly full of water. A nearby fisherman boated over to the distressed vessel and pulled the operator of vessel one out of the water alive. The fisherman then pulled the passenger out of the water who was deceased. Operator of vessel one stated they had probably been in the water for 30 minutes or so. A vessel from dam 53 launched and they met the fisherman and retrieved the passengers body and attempted cpr and aed but to no avail. The deceased passenger was taken back to dam 53 to await coroner. Alcohol was not suspected. Pfd's where not being worn or used.


BARDID: KY-2012-0050
Date: 2012-11-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: CUMBERLAND LAKE
NearestCityTown: JAMESTOWN
County: RUSSELL
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Alcohol
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
RedactedNarrative:
WHEN OFFICERS APPROCHED THE SCENE OF THE ACCIDENT IT APPEARED THAT THE VESSEL HAD BEEN TRAVELING AT AN EXCESSIVE SPEED  TO HAVE TRAVELLED AS FAR UP THE BANK AS IT HAD.  IT APPEARED THAT THE HULL HAD RECEIVED THE MAJORITY OF THE IMPACT AND SUSTAINED THE MOST DAMGE, BUT THER WAS DAMAGE TO OTHER PARTS OF THE VESSEL AS WELL. THE FIBERGLASS HULL HAD RECEIVED SEVERAL MAJOR GASHES FROM THE ROCKS THAT LAID ON THE BANK. OTHER PARTS OF THE VESSEL THAT SUSTAINED DAMAGE WERE THE LOWER UNIT AND PROPELLER WHICH AD ALSO RECEIVED GASHES AND DENTS. ONE OF THE TRIM TABS AND BOW EYE HAD BOTH BROKE. THE CURVED WINDSHIELD ON THE PORT SIDE WAS BUSTED IN HALF. LOOKING AROUND THE INSIDE OF THE GUNWALE OF THE VESSEL, IT WAS OBVIOUS THAT ALCOHOL WAS INVOLVED DUE TO THE COoLER FULL OF OPENED BEER CANS. ALSO LAYING ON THE BOW OF THE VESSEL WAS AN OPENED BEER CAN. ALCOHOL WAS A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR ADN PFD'S WERE NOT BEING WORN OR USED.


BARDID: KY-2012-0051
Date: 2012-06-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:40:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: BIG TURNER LAKE
NearestCityTown: OSCAR
County: BALLARD
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Improper loading
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel was being propelled by a trolling motor according to statements from the operator of the vessel and surviving passenger all had been consuming alcohol. Due to unknown reasons the passenger in the front of the vessel stood up, lost balance and fell out of the vessel causing it to capsize and ejecting the other two subjects into the water. operator of vessel stated that the deceased victim yelled for operator to get passenger since passenger could not swim.  Operator grabbed passenger  and held onto the vessel which was capsized in the water. Both operator and passenger stated that they never heard from deceased again. Operator stated that the capsized vessel seemed to be sinking and they were calling for help. A nearby fisherman on the bank heard them yelling and called 911. Rescue team members arrived within approximately 10-15 minutes and rescued operator and passenger from the water as they were hanging onto a limb line in a tree. Rescue squad members and wildlife officers searched the lake the remainder of the evening for deceased.  There were empty beer cans floating in the vessel, no life jackets were noticed. Alcohol was a contributing factor, pfd's where not being worn or used.


BARDID: KY-2012-0052
Date: 2012-10-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:05:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityTown: BENTON
County: MARSHALL
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Unkn
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Hull failure
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
The vessel was traveling in the main channel of the lake when the vessel started to list to the port side. The operator stopped the vessel and the passenger noticed that the motor was coming loose from the transom of the vessel.  The operator then attempted to idle the vessel into the moores. The motor fell off the transom but was still attached by the steering cables.  The vessel swamped and then capsized. The hull failure was due to rot in and around the motor mounting bolts. Alcohol was not suspected and pfd's where being worn and used.


BARDID: KY-2012-0053
Date: 2012-05-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: BARKLEY LAKE
NearestCityTown: CADIZ
County: TRIGG
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/Swamping
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL WAS TRAVELING WHEN IT STRUCK A SUBMERGED LOG. VESSEL CAME TO A STOP AND STARTED TAKING IN WATER. OCCUPANTS STAYED WITH THE VESSEL UNTIL HELP ARRIVED AND TOOK THEM TO BARKLEY STATE PARK. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. ALCOHOL AND DRUGS WHERE NOT SUSPECTED AND THE USE OF PFD'S IS UNKNOWN.


BARDID: KY-2012-0055
Date: 2012-08-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: OHIO RIVER
NearestCityTown: BARLOW
County: BALLARD
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unkn
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Drug use
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
News media reports indicate that a man's body was found in the water with his boat still running in circles.  Alcohol and drug use was indicated. No knowledge of pfd use.


BARDID: KY-2012-0056
Date: 2012-07-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: CUMBERLAND LAKE
NearestCityTown: MONTICELLO
County: WAYNE
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Sharp turn
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Operator of vessel one and two were operating their fathers pwc's when they collided. Operator one entered the creek and executed a 360 degree turn to see where operator of vessel two was. During this turn vessel one operator didn’t see vessel two until he impacted on the port side at a 270 degree angle. (t-bone"impact) there were no injuries in this accident. Alcohol was not involved and pfd's where being worn.


BARDID: KY-2012-0057
Date: 2012-07-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityTown: EDDYVILLE
County: LYON
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Congested waters
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Officers received a call about an accident on the lake and us forestry service was on the scene looking for the vessel one that had run into vessel two whose operator had called in the incident.  Officers were advised that there were no injuries and when officers arrived at the scene they began looking for the vessel too. Vessel one was located on the shore and tied up to a large rock. The operator of vessel one was arrested for alcohol intoxication and was in the back of the forestry patrol vehicle. One of the forestry officers saw operator of vessel one getting out of his vessel and falling, but did not see him in control of the vessel but found him stumbling around walking inside the campground by himself. The only ones that saw vessel one operator operating vessel one was the witnesses who stated that while he was in the water working on his vessel, vessel one operator was operating vessel one, pulled in and got very close to witness and his vessel. Witness questioned operator of vessel one about the damage to the port side of his vessel and vessel one operator told witness he had hit a vessel in the rock quarry. Witness saw vessel one operator operating his vessel and witness saw vessel one operator fall as he was trying to exit the vessel.witnesses stated that vessell one circled vessel two and made contact with vessel two on the starboard side in the center of the vessel and again on the rear of the vessel while it was pulling away. Officers were unable to find out who the other passengers may have been, on vessel one.


BARDID: KY-2012-1011
Date: 2012-11-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:40:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: Ohio River
County: Oldham
WaterConditions: unknown
Wind: unknown
Visibility: unkn
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Ignition of Spilled Fuel or Vapor
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
RedactedNarrative:
according to a news media report, a 41-ft cabin motorboat exploded after the engine stalled, most likely because of a build up of vapor.  The owner docked the vessel to unload it. One person was injured in the leg and the vessel was a total loss. Two other boats sustained minor damage from the fire.


BARDID: KY-2013-0002
Date: 2013-04-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 01:01:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: PAINTSVILLE LAKE
NearestCityTown: STAFFORDSVILLE
County: JOHNSON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person struck by propeller
RedactedNarrative:
OPEATOR STATED THAT HE WAS RUNNING FULL THROTTLE WHICH IS ABOUT 55-60 MPH FOR THIS VESSEL. THE LAST THING OPERATOR REMEMBERS BEFORE THE ACCIDENT IS ENTERING INTO THE CURVE, AFTER THE ACCIDENT THE FRIST THING THE OPERaTOR REMEMEBERS IS BEING IN THE WATER,THE AREA IN WHICH THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED IN AN S-CURVE. THE OPERATOR STATED THAT HE HAD A FEW ALCOHOLIC DRINKS DRUING THE BOATING TRIP. PFD'S WHERE NOT BEING WORN OR USED. ALCOHOL WAS A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR IN THIS ACCIDENT.  Vessel must have struck something underwater which ejected the subjects.  Subjects were struck by the boat; one was struck by the boat propeller.


BARDID: KY-2013-0003
Date: 2013-05-25 00:00:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: CUMBERLAND LAKE
NearestCityTown: MONTICELLO
County: WAYNE
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
RedactedNarrative:
INJURED OPERATOR  WAS OPERATING VESSEL  IN SEARCH OF HIS OTHER VESSEL AND ENTERED INTO A SMALL COVE AND STRUCK A ROPE THAT WAS STRUNG ACROSS THE WATER USED TO TIE UP A HOUSEBOAT. IN A PANIC STATE THE INJURED WAS STILL NOT ABLE TO LOCATE HIS VESSEL SO HE STOPPED AND CALLED FOR HELP. WHEN OFFICER ARRIVED ON THE SCENE, INJURED APPEARED TO HAVE LACERATION INJURIES TO HIS MOUTH\GUMS AND ROPE BURNS ACROSS HIS SHOULDERS. OFFICER ALSO NOTICED INJURED HAD BEEN DRINKING ALCOHOL AS WELL. INJURED WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL. A PFD WAS BEING WORN AND USED. ALCOHOL WAS INVOLVED IN THIS ACCIDENT.


BARDID: KY-2013-0004
Date: 2013-05-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:08:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityTown: AURORA
County: MARSHALL
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Excessive speed
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
RedactedNarrative:
Operator and casualty victim were traveling on lake around the bank. Both persons on board had been fishing in a tournament out of the marina and were returning for weigh in. Operator stated that he was traveling at approx 45mph when they went under a bridge and struck an underwater object. The motor was broken away from the vessel and propelled into the vessel striking the passenger in the back of the head and down his back with the prop still engaged. Casualty person was pronounced dead on the scene by the county coroner. Operator had no injuries. Alcohol was not involved in this accident and pfd's where being worn and used.


BARDID: KY-2013-0005
Date: 2013-05-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:40:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE CUMBERLAND
NearestCityTown: JAMESTOWN
County: RUSSELL
WaterConditions: Very Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL HIT A LARGE WAKE ON THE MAIN CHANNEL OF LAKE. THE PASSENGERS WERE RIDING ON THE ENGINE HATCH OF THE VESSEL WHEN THE VESSEL CONTACTED THE WAKE. WHEN THE VESSSEL HIT THE WAKE, TWO PASSENGERS WERE EJECTED FROM THE VESSEL. THE INJURED PASSENGER REMAINED IN THE VESSEL. THE INJURY OCCURRED BECAUSE WHEN THE VESSEL HIT THE WAKE AND THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT HATCHES FLEW OPEN, INJURED ARM FELL IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, WHEN THE HATCH CLOSED, IT BROKE HER RT. FOREARM IN TWO AND BROKE THREE FINGERS.  THe operator was arrested for BUI and the victim was under the influence of alcohol as well.


BARDID: KY-2013-0006
Date: 2013-05-25 00:00:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE CUMBERLAND
NearestCityTown: LAWRENCEBURG
County: ANDERSON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR OF VESSEL ONE STATED THAT HE AND PASSENGERS OF VESSSEL TWO HAD BEEN FISHING ON THE RIVER. ONCE THEY WERE DONE FISHING, BOTH VESSELS STARTED TRAVELING TOWARDS THE RAMP ON THE RIVER WHEN VESSEL ONE JUMPED THE WAKE OF VESSEL TWO. WEHN VESSEL TWO TURNED TOWARDS VESSEL ONE AS HE WAS TURNING AND CAUSED VESSEL ONE TO COLLIDE WITH THE PORT SIDE OF THE BOW OF VESSEL TWO.THE INJURED PASSENGER ON VESSEL TWO FELL FROM HER SEAT AS A RESULT FROM THE IMPACT CAUSING HER TO STRIKE HER HEAD ON AN UNK OBJECT. ALCOHOL WAS NOT INVOLVED.


BARDID: KY-2013-0008
Date: 2013-06-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: CAVE RUN LAKE
NearestCityTown: MOREHEAD
County: ROWAN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL ONE OPERATOR WAS INEXPERIENCED AND LOST CONTROL OF VESSEL ONE STRIKING VESSEL TWO AT THE FRONT OF VESSEL. THERE WERE NO INJURES. ALCOHOL WAS NOT INVOLVED. PFD'S WHERE NOT BEING WORN OR USESD.


BARDID: KY-2013-0009
Date: 2013-06-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:02:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE CUMBERLAND
NearestCityTown: JAMESTOWN
County: RUSSELL
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
After victim was being towed by vessel and was attempting a stunt while wakeboarding on the lake.  According to the operator of the vessel, the subject took a bad fall. The operator said the subject was in immediate pain after the fall and was not able to get back into the vessel and was not able to get back into the vessel and was only able to get himself upon the swim deck of the vessel and was transported to the marine while riding in this position. The fall appeared to have broken/dislocated the subjects left leg, knee and possibly his ankle. Victim was transported to marina by personal vessel and then to the hospital by ambulance. Alcohol was not involved in this accident. Victim was wearing a pfd. Other passengers on board were not wearing their pfd's.


BARDID: KY-2013-0010
Date: 2013-06-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:50:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: CAVE RUN LAKE
NearestCityTown: FARMERS
County: ROWAN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL ONE WAS TOWING A TUBING DEVICE.  THERE WERE A COUPLE OF FEMALES ATTEMPTING TO RIDE THE TUBE WHEN THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED. AS THE VESSEL BEGAN TO ACCELERATE, SLACK IN THE ROPE BECAME WRAPPED AROUND ONE OF THE RIDERS LEGS. AS THE ROPE TIGHTENED AROUND THE LEG OF THE VICTIM, THE TUBE FLIPPED. AS THE VESSEL CAME BACK AROUND, THE VICTIM CLIMBED THE LADDER WITH ONE LEG WITH SOME ASSISTANCE.  THE LEG WAS SEVERED TO THE EXTENT THAT ONLY A SMALL PIECE OF SKIN WAS HOLDING THE LEG AND THE FOOT TOGETHER. AS THE VESSEL MADE ITS WAY BACK TO THE MARINA, 911 WAS CALLED FOR ASSISTANCE. ALCOHOL WAS NOT INVOLVED IN THIS ACCIDENT.


BARDID: KY-2013-0011
Date: 2013-06-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 00:00:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: TAYLORSVILLE LAKE
County: SPENCER
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel two was anchored 20 feet off of the shore across from the marina outside of the no wake zone. Occupants of vessel two were fishing by spotlight over the side of the vessel. Subjects stated that the navigation lights were on and working. Vessel one was traveling towards vessel two at an estimated speed of 40 mph on plane. Operator of vessel one failed to observe vessel two until just before making contact, when operator one turned hard to starboard toward the bank in an effort to avoid collision with vessel two. Vessel two stated that they observed a vessel coming at a high rate of speed and that the occupants on vessel two began to wave and yell in an effort to gain attention of vessel one. Vessel two was struck in the starboard stern with vessel one going over the stern hitting the injured subject in vessel two. Alcohol was not a contributing factor.


BARDID: KY-2013-0013
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2013-06-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:25:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE CUMBERLAND
NearestCityTown: BURNSIDE
County: PULASKI
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentEvent3: Capsizing
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL OPERATOR STATED THE VESSEL MOTOR DIDNT SOUND RIGHT AND SEEMED TO BE RUNNING ROUGH. WHEN VESSEL EXITED THE NO WAKE ZONE THE VESSEL WOULD NOT PLANE OUT. SHORTLY OUT OF THE NO WAKE ZONE OPERATOR NOTICED THE VESSEL BEGAN TAKING ON WATER. BEFORE OPERATOR COULD GET HIS VESSEL TO THE BANK, IT COMPLETELY FILLED WITH WATER AND SANK. ONCE UNDER WATER THE VESSEL THEN CAPSIZED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND ALCOHOL WAS NOT A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR IN THIS ACCIDENT.


BARDID: KY-2013-0014
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2013-06-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:40:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: BARKLEY LAKE
NearestCityTown: CADIZ
County: LYON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Sinking
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL WAS AT CRUISING SPEED IN THE MAIN CHANNEL ON THE LAKE WHEN IT HIT A SUBMeRGED LOG. THE VESSEL STARTED TAKING ON WATER. OPERATOR STATED HE LOOKED BACK AFTER THEY HIT A N SAW A LARGE FLOATING TREE WITH A ROOT WAD. A PASSING VESSELL STOPPED AND THE OPERATOR AND OTHER PERSONS ON BOARD VESSEL ONE GOT ON BOARD THE PASSING VESSELL. WHEN OFFICERS ARRIVED THERE WAS ABOUT TWO FOOT OF BOW ABOVE THE WATERLINE. WITHIN A FEW MINUTES THE VESSEL WENT BELOW THE WATERLINE IN ABOUT THIRTY TWO FOOT OF WATER. ALCOHOL WAS NOT A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR IN THIS ACCIDENT.


BARDID: KY-2013-0017
Date: 2013-06-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:10:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: HERRINGTON LAKE
NearestCityTown: GILBERTSVILLE
County: MARSHALL
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: None
Visibility: Unkn
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
OWNER OF VESSEL ONE STATED THAT VESSEL ONE WAS STRUCK BY VESSEL TWO WHILE VESSEL ONE WAS IN A SLIP. OPERATOR OF VESSEL TWO STATED HE LEFT THE HELM OF VESSEL TWO TO PUT OUT FENDERS. ALCOHOL WAS NOT SUSPECTED. INFORMATION ON VESSEL TWO WAS NOT OBTAINED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES IN THIS ACCIDENT.


BARDID: KY-2013-0018
Date: 2013-06-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:48:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: DALE HOLLOW LAKE
NearestCityTown: BURKESVILLE
County: CUMBERLAND
WaterConditions: Calm
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Congested waters
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel one entered and docked at a marina to dine. After eating  vessel one operator along with eleven more passengers started their journey out of the marina, but encountered a "squall" and delayed their exit to allow the weather to pass through. As the rain stopped vessel one continued out of the marina and neared the end of the dock. According to operator one, vessel one, which was maneuvered by a joystick controller, began to malfunction causing him to lose the capability to control the forward and rearward movement of the vessel. Vessel one started drifting towards the dock in the direction of a row of moored vessels. Vessel one also had a 15 foot vessel (v2) barged to the starboard rear side, both of which were rentals from the dock. Vessel one drifted towards the docking area. Vessel two struck vessel three which was moored in a dock slip. The starboard side of vessel two struck the rear deck of vessel three. It is believed that as these three vessels collided it caused vessel two to come untied and float adrift away from vessel one and vessel one continued down this forward path where it eventually struck the dock extending outward perpendicular to the row of moored vessels. as vessel one began to drift backwards, the front starboard side of vessel one struck the side of vessel four which was moored in a dock slip. The use of alcohol is unknown. Pfd's where not being worn or used.


BARDID: KY-2013-0019
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2013-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:50:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: WILLIAMSTOWN LAKE
NearestCityTown: WILLIAMSTOWN
County: GRANT
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Injured operator of vessel one headed north to get to a fishing sport, when he turned left, he encountered a ski boat making a turn to pick up a skier in the water.  Operator of vessel one backed off throttle to approx 25-30 mph and made a starboard turn away from the ski boat area. When vessel one hit the ski boats wake, he began to lose control. Operator one attempted to port turn to straighten back out but the steering was stiff and boat began to hop and at one point was near sideways.  Vessel one hit a vessel that was in the slip and out of the water on a lift.  The bow of vessel one hit near center on the vessel that was out of the water, pushing it hard forward and to the port.  There was a cable and lock through the bow eye of the other vessel which broke on impact, bending the bow eye 90 degrees to the port. The port side of the other vessel struck a support pole ripping the vessel cover and scraping the gel coat. The  dock itself bowed from the impact. Alcohol was not involved in this accident and a pfd was not being worn or used. Subject was injured when he fell upon impact.


BARDID: KY-2013-0021
Date: 2013-05-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:20:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: ROUGH RIVER LAKE
NearestCityTown: FALLING BRANCH
County: GRAYSON
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Failure to vent
AccidentCause2: Ignition of Spilled Fuel or Vapor
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel explosion happened as vessel was leaving the no wake zone of the marina heading towards the main body of the lake. When the operator applied the throttle there was a loud noise that came from the engine compartment located at the stern of the vessel. One of the adult passengers  stated her looked back to see flames coming from the engine compartment and the girls, who were sitting next to the compartment  on a bench seat, began crying and moved to the front of vessel. Operator and adult passenger began throwing water on the flames and gathered the fire extinguisher to extinguish the remaining flames.  Other boaters came to their aid with fire extinguishers to diminish the flames. Alcohol was not involved in this accident and all persons on board vessel were wearing pfd's.


BARDID: KY-2013-0022
Date: 2013-07-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:30:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: CUMBERLAND LAKE
NearestCityTown: BURNSIDE
County: PULASKI
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Alcohol
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL WAS HEADING BACK TO THE MARINA AFTER SUNSET AT AN IDLING SPEED. PASSENGERS COULD SEE THE MARINA AHEAD AND PICKED UP THE VESSELS SPEED TO 35 MPH. VESSEL MADE CONTACT WITH THE METAL BARRIER FLOATING IN THE LAKE. AT IMPACT THE VESSEL HIT AT THE LOWER PART OF THE BOW AND LAUNCHED PASSENGERS INTO THE AIR CAUSING THE TRANSOM/STERN TO MAKE CONTACT ALMOST BREAKING THE LOWER UNIT OFF THE VESSEL.  AFTER CONTACT THE ENGINE SHUT OFF AND WOULD NOT START. VESSEL OWNER TIED A ROPE TO THE VESSEL AND SWAM PULLING THE VESSEL TO THE MARINA TO GET HELP FOR THE INJURED PASSENGER. ALCOHOL WAS INVOLVED IN THIS ACCIDENT. PFD'S WERE NOT BEING WORN OR USED.


BARDID: KY-2013-0024
Date: 2013-08-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:50:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: CUMBERLAND LAKE
NearestCityTown: MONTICELLO
County: WAYNE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL TWO WAS ADRIFT IN THE MAIN CHANNEL ON THE LAKE NEAR THE BOAT RAMP WHEN IT WAS IMPACTED BY VESSEL ONE. VESSEL ONE IMPACTED VESSEL TWO WITH PORT TO PORT CONTACT. VESSEL ONE WAS TOWING A SKIER WHEN THE IMPACTED OCCURRED. THE OPERATOR OF VESSEL ONE STATED THAT JUST BEFORE IMPACT SHE TURNED HER VESSEL SHARPLY TO HER STARBOARD SIDE TO TRY TO AVOID COLLISION BUT COULDNT MANEUVER HER VESSEL FAST ENOUGH TO AVOID COLLISION. ALCOHOL WAS NOT INVOLVED.


BARDID: KY-2013-0025
Date: 2013-07-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: CUMBERLAND LAKE
NearestCityTown: ALBANY
County: CLINTON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
AS VESSEL ONE WAS TRYING TO MANEUVER TO THE WALKWAY TO TAKE ON WATER, VESSEL TWO HAD STRUCK THE REAR OF VESSEL ONE. ALCOHOL WAS NOT INVOLVED IN THIS ACCIDENT.


BARDID: KY-2013-0027
Date: 2013-08-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:15:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: DALE HOLLOW LAKE
NearestCityTown: ALBANY
County: CLINTON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Alcohol
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
ACCORDING TO THE OPERATOR AND THE INJURED PASSENGER, THE VESSEL WAS TRAVELING WHEN THE VESSEL STRUCK A TREE IN A CUT THROUGH. A LIMB FROM THE TREE STRUCK THE INJURED PERSON WHO WAS STANDING IN THE OPEN BOW OF THE VESSEL WITH A LIGHT. OPERATOR WAS KNOCKED INTO THE WINDSHIELD CAUSING INJURY TO HIS HEAD, CHEST, BACK AND RIBS. ACCORDING TO OPERATOR, THE INJURED WAS UNCONSCIOUS FOR A SHORT TIME. OPERATOR THEN TOOK INJURED TO THE RAMP WHERE EMS WAS SUMMONED. PFD'S WHERE NOT BEING WORN OR USED. ALCOHOL WAS A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR IN THIS ACCIDENT.


BARDID: KY-2013-0029
Date: 2013-08-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: GREEN RIVER LAKE
NearestCityTown: CAMPBELLSVILLE
County: TAYLOR
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR WAS PULLING TWO SEPERATE TUBES WITH ONE PASSENGER ON EACH TUBE. OPERATOR WAS OPERATING THE VESSEL  IN A FIGURE EIGHT PATTERN, CREATING A LARGE WAKE FOR THE TUBERS. THE INJURED HIT A LARGE WAKE, WHICH PUSHED THE INJURED INTO THE OTHER TUBER. INJURED WAS KNOCKED OFF HER TUBE AND HIT THE WATER IN A HARD MANNER CAUSING INJURY TO HER LOWER BACK. INJURED WAS TAKEN BY EMS  TO THE COUNTY HOSPITAL. ALCOHOL WAS NOT INVOLVED IN THIS ACCIDENT.


BARDID: KY-2013-0032
Date: 2013-08-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 03:00:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: FISHTRAP LAKE
NearestCityTown: MILLIARD
County: PIKE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Drug use
MachineryFailure: Engine
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Victim was participating in an all night fishing tournament on the lake. Witnesses on a nearby vessel observed victim's vessel go past their vessel on plane toward the marina. The witnesses then heard a change in the vessel's motor tone from high to low and back to high again. Witnesses then observed the vessel spinning in a clockwise direction. When witnesses shined their spotlight on vessel one, they did not see anyone on board. After 3 or 4 minutes vessel one stopped because it ran out of gas. Witness approached but found no one on board. Officer noticed a small branch about 1" in diameter along the shore that had been freshly broken. The vessel had brush marks that appeared consistent with this branch and the small branches that were around it, which confirmed the clockwise spin of the vessel. The vessel was found in the full forward position. The safety lanyard was stuck underneath of the drivers seat and not used. Pfd's were in the floor of the vessel also not used. There was no evidence indicating which direction victim travelled when he left the vessel. When the engine was started, the throttle immediately advanced to 30-40% even with the throttle in neutral. The conclusion was that victim was so tall, he normally would lay the drivers seat down and sit behind the seat on the deck, thus putting him in an elevated position. When the sending unit picked up the remaining fuel, it threw victim out of the vessel. The drugs in victims system affected his balance as well. A pfd was not being worn and not used. Drugs were a contributing factor.


BARDID: KY-2013-0037
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2013-08-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:45:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: CUMBERLAND RIVER
NearestCityTown: KUTTAWA
County: LYON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: None
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Force of wave/wake
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR STATED THAT HE WAS TRAVELING DOWN RIVER TOWARD THE BOAT RAMP WHEN HE CAME AROUND A CURVe AND THE WAKE FROM THE REAR OF A BARGE SWAMPED HIS VESSEL CAUSING IT TO FLIP OVER AND EJECTING OPERATOR AND PASSENGER. OPERATOR STATED THE BARGE WAS HEADED UPSTREAM AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. THE PASSENGER WAS ABLE TO HANG ON TO A BOUY UNTIL PICKED UP BY ANOTHER VESSEL. THE OPERATOR SWAM TO SHORE.  BOTH OPERATOR AND PASSENGER WERE NOT WEARING PFD'S BUT STATED THEY WERE BOTH ABLE TO PUT THEM ON BEFORE THE VESSEL FLIPPED OVER. ALCOHOL WAS NOT INVOLVED IN THIS ACCIDENT.


BARDID: KY-2013-0038
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2013-09-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:30:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: CUMBERLAND LAKE
NearestCityTown: MONTICELLO
County: WAYNE
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
While participating in a poker run, the vessel was traveling from one marina to another for the first card pickup. The vessel was the second vessel to navigate the turn around ramsey point. The vessel crossed the wake of another vessel. As the vessel crossed the wake, the bow appeared to lift out of the water, causing the vessel to first flip bow over stern, then upon impacting the water it rolled gunwale and landed upright in the water. Both occupants were ejected from the vessel, and recovered from the water by bystanders. The maximum speed recorded on the vessel was 164 mph. Alcohol was not involved in this accident. Pfd's were being worn and used.  both subjects died in the accident.


BARDID: KY-2013-0040
Date: 2013-09-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:00:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: CUMBERLAND LAKE
NearestCityTown: MONTICELLO
County: WAYNE
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Alcohol
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel one was heading from the marina area on the lake, vessel was operating on the right side of the waterway as required. While approaching the point area of the lake, the operator of vessel one, at the last second noticed another vessel in his path. The operator of vessel one turned his vessel to the right which caused his vessel to strike vessel two head on while turning to the right preventing vessel one from completely traveling across the entire length of vessel two. During the impact of the vessels a passenger on vessel two was thrown from her seat into the console area of the vessel.  A passenger in the from seat area of vessel two was also thrown from his seat over the protective railing of the pontoon and nearly into the water.  Another passenger onboard vessel two was able to grab the injured male by the leg area and keep him from completely exiting the vessel. alcohol was involved in this accident and pfd's were not being worn or used.


BARDID: KY-2013-0045
Date: 2013-09-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:30:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: BARREN RIVER LAKE
NearestCityTown: GLASGO
County: BARREN
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
RedactedNarrative:
AS VESSEL WAS BEING OPERATED AROUND A POINT THEY WERE APPROACHING A VESSEL THAT WAS PARKED NEAR THE ROCK WALL WHERE THE OPERATOR AND PASSENGER HAD PLANNED ON SWIMMING. OPERATOR WENT AROUND THE VESSEL BUT DIDNT REALIZE HIS VESSEL WAS SO CLOSE TO THE ROCK WALL.  WHEN OPERATOR LET OFF THE THROTTLE, THE VESSEL LOST ALL STEERING CONTROL AND TRIED TO PUT THE VESSEL IN REVERSE BUT COULDNT DO SO IN TIME. THE VESSEL WAS  COMING OFF OF PLANE GOING AROUND TEN TO FIFTEEN MPH WHEN IT THE WALL. NO INJURIES WHERE REPORTED. PFD'S WHERE BEING WORN PRIOR TO ACCIDENT. ALCOHOL WAS NOT INVOLVED IN THIS ACCIDENT.


BARDID: KY-2013-0046
Date: 2013-09-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:00:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityTown: GILBERTSVILLE
County: MARSHALL
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Unkn
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Operator of vessel one stated that he had anchored his vessel on the lake for the night and was woken by four cigarette boats circling vessel one.  A guest on board vessel one who had just went to the cuddy cabin to go to bed ran out on the front deck and saw vessel two start up and come right at vessel one, hitting the guard rail, tearing canvas and poking a hole in the cabin. When operator of vessel one reached the deck, vessel two operator was talking with vessel one passenger, where the operator of vessel two was stating that he didnt know why he hit vessel one. Vessel two operator stated his name and that the vessel had insurance, and then took off saying he would be back. Vessel two was not seen again and operator was never found by vessel one operator. Alcohol involvement is unknown. The use of pfd's is also unknown.


BARDID: KY-2013-0048
Date: 2013-09-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:45:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: FARM POND
NearestCityTown: SOUTH CARROLTON
County: MUHLENBURG
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
Victim was last seen sitting on his sisters porch by her boyfriend,as he returned home from work around 7:30 am. The witnessspoke to the victim before going inside.  When the witness came back outside some 30 minutes later he found the victim was gone from the porch, so he started looking for victim around the yard and the home. The witness spotted the jon boat up close to the bank on the north side of the pond. Witness went around the pond to where the boat was and then he saw the hat and boots that victim was wearing floating almost in the middle of the pond. Witness got in the boat and retrieved the hat and boots and then called 911 to report the victim was missing. Victims body was recovered about thre and a half hours later. a pfd was not being worn or used. Alcohol/drugs where not involved.


BARDID: KY-2013-0049
Date: 2013-10-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:10:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: OHIO RIVER
NearestCityTown: LOUISVILLE
County: OLDHAM
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR OF VESSEL ONE STATED THAT: OPERATOR OF VESSEL ONE AND ANOTHER VESSEL WERE BOTH ANCHORED AT 12 MILE ISLAND. OPERATOR OF VESSEL TWO PASSED VESSEL ONE MAKING AN EXCESSIVE WAKE. THE WAKE LIFTED AND ROLLED THE OTHER BOAT MOoRED NEXT TO VESSEL ONE INTO VESSEL ONES STARBOARD SIDE. OPERATOR OF VESSEL ONE GOT ON A ZODIAC AND CHASED VESSEL TWo DOWN AND ADVISED OPERATOR OF THE DAMAGE. OPERATOR OF VESSEL TWO REFUSED TO COME AND ASSESS THE DAMAGE AND WAS QUITE RUDE. PFD'S WHERE NOT BEING WORN OR USED ON VESSEL ONE. VESSEL TWO INFO IN UNAVAILABLE.


BARDID: KY-2013-0050
Date: 2013-10-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:10:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: OHIO RIVER
NearestCityTown: NEW RICHMOND OH
County: CAMPBELL
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: unknown
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
An officer with the ohio dnr was made aware of a skiing accident that occured on the ohio river near new richmond oh. Officer was able to determine that new richmond ems transported the injured victim to the university of cincinnati hospital for sore lower right ribs. Officer determined that operator was operating the pwc that was towing the victim and that the pwc was in the owners driveway at the time of the investigation. Officer  made four calls to the victims residence to ascertain the condition of the victims and to find out where the accident occurred.  On 9/9/2013 at approximatly 10:05 am, officer was finally able to make contact with victim and wife who was a witness.  Victim stated that his wife witnessed the accident from the shore near the leavy at new richmond.  Victim gave a statement 
Over the phone that the injured was okay and had suffered a lower broken right rib. Witness also stated when asked where the accident happened she said about halfway or a little more than half way accross the river. Witness stated she saw injured fall off the skies. Since the accident occured in kentucky waters, investigator turned investigation over to the kentucky department fish and wildlife. Kentucky office made three calls to the victims resident in an attempt to get more specific information in an attempt to get more specific information on the accident and pwc involved. Officer left messages rquestng a call back on 9/11, 9/19, and 10/16. Victim never attempted to call back causing report to have missing information.
I


BARDID: KY-2013-0051
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2013-09-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:20:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: OHIO RIVER
NearestCityTown: VILLA HILL
County: KENTON
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Improper loading
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Narrative:
 
Vessel #1 was traveling downstream on the Ohio River near Riverside boat ramp in Cincinnati OH, towards center channel. Vessel #1 made a turn back upriver and was jumping the wake from a southbound barge in an attempt to splash passengers with water. Improper loading lead to the boat taking on water and capsizing leaving all eight passengers in the water. Witnesses in another vessel picked up all passengers in the water and transported them to Riverside boat ramp on the Ohio side of the river. One passenger was taken to the hospital for chest pains  unrelated to the accident. Ohio DNR officer responded to the scene and started the BAR. The investigation was turned over to Kentucky Fish& Wildlife several days later because it was determined that the sinking occurred in Kentucky waters.


BARDID: KY-2013-5000
Date: 2013-04-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
State: KY
NameOfBodyOfWater: Drake's Creek
WaterConditions: unknown
Wind: unknown
Visibility: unkn
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
news media indicated that a kayer was reported overdue.  He apparently had capsized his vessel and couldn't get back in. he was checked for hypothermia and went to the hospital for a chjeck on his foot.


BARDID: LA-2010-0001
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2010-01-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:30:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Atchafalaya River
NearestCityTown: Charenton
County: Iberia
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentCause2: IMPROPER LOOKOUT
AccidentCause3: HAZARDOUS WATERS
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Fixed Object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/Swamping
AccidentEvent3: SINKING
RedactedNarrative:
On 1-2-10 was headed northbound on the Atchafalaya River.  The airboat was being operated by the owner.  OPerator stated to LDWF he maneuvered his vessel towards the west bank of the river.  He did this so he could talk to a deer hunter he saw on the bank. After heading the vessel in the direction of the hunter, he shut off the motor and began to drift towards the bank.  The strong current then turned the vessel around with the cage facing the north. About 25 ft from the bank the cage hung a branch that was jammed on the bank of the river.  The vessel began to take on water and sank.  The operator swam to shore after securing the bow rope to a nearby branch.  Operator claimed to have been wearing a life jacket at the time of the incident.  No injuries occurred.


BARDID: LA-2010-0002
Date: 2010-01-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 05:30:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: BAYOU RIGOLETS
NearestCityTown: LAFITTE
County: JEFFERSON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Missing or Inadequate Navigation Aids
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Floating Object
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was traveling in the early morning hours in the area of Bayou Rigolets when it struck a floating dredge pipe in the area, causing damage to the lower unit of the outboard motor of the vessel.  According to the operator and passengers of Vessel 1, the dredge pipe was not properly lit.  There were no injuries involved in the incident.  PFDs were on board the vessel, but were no used and alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: LA-2010-0005
Date: 2010-03-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:15:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: INDUSTRIAL CANAL
NearestCityTown: NEW ORLEANS
County: Orleans - 36
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
Wind: Storm
Visibility: Poor
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: HAZARDOUS WATERS
AccidentCause3: OPERATOR INEXPERIENCE
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Fixed Object
RedactedNarrative:
ON 3-1-2010 AT APPROXIMATELY 6:15 P.M.A 44FT SAILING VESSES(MISNOMER) WAS TRAVELING SOUTH IN LAKE PONTCHARTRAIN TRYING TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE INDUSTRIAL CANAL IN ORLEANS PARISH.  DUE TO A CURFEW FOR THE OPENING OF THE  SEABROOK BRIDGE AND VERY HIGH WINDS WHICH DID NOT ALLOW THE BRIDGE TO OPEN AND A VERY STRONG STORM THE VESSEL WAS OVER POWERED AND VESSEL COLLIDED WITH THE SEAWALL AND BRIDGE. TWO OCCUPANTS WERE ON BOARD THE VESSEL WHICH THEY WERE WEARING PFD'S AND WERE ABLE TO GET SAFELY ONTO SHORE DURING THE INCIDENT.  NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED FROM THE INCIDENT.  THE VESSEL WAS REMOVED FROM THE LOCATION OF INCIDENT SEVERAL DAYS LATER AND DRY DOCKED WEHRE IT WAS DETERMINED TO HAVE SUSTAINED APPROXIMEATELY $30,000 WORTH OF DAMAGE.


BARDID: LA-2010-0006
Date: 2010-02-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: INDUSTRIAL CANAL
NearestCityTown: NEW ORLEANS
County: ORLEANS
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentCause2: Restricted Vision
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Fixed Object
RedactedNarrative:
ON 2-14-2010 AT APPROXIMATELY 10 P.M. A 41 FT SAILING VESSEL (1069581) WAS TRAVELING NORTH IN THE INDUSTRIAL CANAL LOCATED IN ORLEANS PARISH.  THE OPERATOR WAS EXITING THE LOCKS FROM THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER AND BELIEVED THAT THE CLAIBORNE BRIDGE AND HIS SAIL MAST HIT THE UNDERSIDE OF THE BRIDGE.  THIS CAUSED THE MAST TO BEND AND BREAK SEVERAL CABLES WHICH HOLD IT TO THE VESSEL, BUT CAUSED NO DAMAGE TO THE BRIDGE.  BOTH OCCUPANTS WERE WEARING THEIR LIFE JACKETS AND WERE UNINJURED. Operator NOTIFIED HIS INSURANCE COMPANY ABOUT THE ACCIDENT AND REPORTED THE ACCIDENT TO THE USCG WITHIN THEIR TIME PERIOD.  USCG NOTIFIED THE LDWF ON THE DATE THEY RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF THE ACCIDENT AND LDWF INVESTIGATED THE INCIDENT.


BARDID: LA-2010-0007
Date: 2010-02-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:10:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: private pond
NearestCityTown: INDEPENDENCE
County: TANGIPAHOA
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
operator WAS FISHING FROM A PIROGUE WHEN HE LOST HIS BALANCE AND FELL INTO THE WATER. operator's HAND AND ARMS GOT TANGELED IN THE FISHING STRING WHICH PROHIBITED HIM FROM SWIMING AND CAUSING HIM TO DROWN. operator WAS NOT WEARING A PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE NOR DID HE HAVE ONE IN HIS PIROUGE.


BARDID: LA-2010-0008
Date: 2010-03-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 07:15:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Atchafalaya River
NearestCityTown: Butte LaRose
County: St. Martin
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentCause2: IMPROPER LOOKOUT
AccidentCause3: HAZARDOUS WATERS
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 3/8/10 Operator was seen leaving the boat launch on the Atchafalaya River near Butte LaRose.  He was operating vessel, a 20 ft. crawfish skiff with a 150 hp tiller handle motor.  A few minutes later witnessess found debris thought to belong to operator floating approximately one half of a mile from the boat launch.  Because witnesses were unsure, authorities were not contacted until approximately 5:00 p.m.  At approximately 11:30 p.m. that same night operator's body was recovered in the same area where the debris was found.  Operator was not wearing a PFD or the kill lanyard for tiller handle motor.  The boat was recovered.

*Note the River at that time was experiencing a significant tidal change causing a strong current.


BARDID: LA-2010-0010
Date: 2010-02-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Bistineau Dam & Loggy Bay
NearestCityTown: Ringgold
County: Bossier - 8
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous Waters
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INATTENTION
AccidentCause3: MACHINERY FAILURE
MachineryFailure: UNKNOWN
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Fixed Object
AccidentEvent2: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
On February 28, 2010, at approximately 1:00 p.m. in Bossier Parish, two people were fishing from a vessel (LA-3091-ED) near the Bistineau Lock and Dam.  Operator's vessel was then taken by the swift current.  Operator tried using the outboard motor on his vessel to reverse out of the swift water.  The outboard motor did not have enough power.  Operator's vessel was then wedged into the lock.  Operator tried using body force to push the vessel out of the lock.  Operator, at this point, fell into the swift current and was pushed through the locks.  Operator was not wearing his lifejacket (PFD).  Operator was rescued appproximately 200 yards from the lock and dam by rescue teams.  Operator was then transported to Willis Knighton Piermont and treated for hypothermia.


BARDID: LA-2010-0012
Date: 2010-02-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:40:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: D'Arbonne Lake
NearestCityTown: Farmerville
County: Union
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Restricted Vision
AccidentCause2: IMPROPER LOOKOUT
AccidentCause3: OPERATOR INATTENTION
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Fixed Object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was motoring LA-8741-FL toward Stowe Creek boat launch.  While manuvering down the channel he struck a channel marker.  The impact started at the bow and traversed down the starboard side of his vessel.  Operator sustained a laceration to the side of his head and suffered bruising to the face and right shoulder.  He was transported to Union General Hospital.  He was kept at the hospital overnight for observation.  His son  was not injured in the incident.  Operator was not wearing a PFD.  His son was wearing a PFD.  No alcohol suspected.  The incident is still under investigation.


BARDID: LA-2010-0013
Date: 2010-03-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE MAUREPAS
NearestCityTown: SPRINGFIELD
County: LIVINGSTON
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Storm
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Machinery Failure
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentCause3: OPERATOR INATTENTION
MachineryFailure: Engine
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: SINKING
RedactedNarrative:
THIS DEPARTMENT RECEIVED A REPORT OF VESSEL  SINKING IN LAKE MAUREPAUS, AS IT WAS BEING TOWED, AFTER HAVING ENGINE FAILURE. HIGH WINDS AND ROUGH WATER CONDITIONS RESULTED WITH THE VESSEL TAKING ON WATER AND SINKING. THE TWO PERSONS ONBOARD BOARDED THE TOWING VESSEL (#2) WITHOUT ENTERING THE WATER. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED.


BARDID: LA-2010-0014
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2010-03-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:09:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: AMITE RIVER
NearestCityTown: FRENCH SETTLEMENT
County: LIVINGSTON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Improper Lookout
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INATTENTION
AccidentCause3: Restricted Vision
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
According to operators, occupants and witnesses, on march 20, 2010, at approx. 6:09pm, operator2 and passenger were in an unregistered, non-motorized 14 foot alumaweld vessel in the amite river in livingston parish. The vessel was located near the center of the river while the occupants tended a trotline. A motorized 19.9 foot wellcraft vessel approached from downstream, came around a large sweeping curve while traveling upstream and struck the smaller vessel, severing it into two pieces. The vessel was reportedly operated by Operator1. Operator1 had two passengers onboard. The estimated speed of the wellcraft at the time of the collision was reported as being approximately 30-35 m.p.h. both occupants of the smaller vessel jumped out of their vessel just prior to impact and avoided injury. Operator1 admitted his vision was obscured by both the light rain and a dirty windshield. He also freely admitted that he was distracted and failed to maintain a proper lookout as required by navigation rules. As a result of the investigation, Operator1 was issued a citation for reckless operation of a watercraft. Alcohol is not believed to be a factor in this incident. The occupants of the smaller vessel properly used pfd's. Pfd's were on board but not used by the occupants and operator of the larger vessel.


BARDID: LA-2010-0015
Date: 2010-04-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:20:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Bayou Courtableau
NearestCityTown: Port Barre
County: St. Landry
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentCause2: IMPROPER LOOKOUT
AccidentEvent1: Other
OtherAccidentEvent: person in boat strikes bridge
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was operating his vessel towards a low lying bridge.  One of his occupants was standing as they attempted to pass underneath.  As a result passenger was struck behind the head (and neck) by the bridge causing fatal injuries.  Alcohol was found on board the vessel and blood and urine samples were taken from the driver.  A blood sample was also taken from the victim.  The results from those tests are pending.  PFD's were onboard but did not play a factor in the incident.


BARDID: LA-2010-0020
Date: 2010-03-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:50:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Intracoastal Waterway
NearestCityTown: Plaquemine
County: Iberville
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentCause2: EXCESSIVE SPEED
AccidentCause3: IMPROPER LOOKOUT
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Commercial Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On March 28, 2010 at approximately 9:50 p.m. Operator was traveling approximately 45 m.p.h. southbound on the Intracoastal Waterway.  Approaching the Bayou Grosse Tete drawbridge, operator observed what appeared to be the rear of the tug for he could not see navigation lights.  He immediately slowed down to approximately 20 mph in order to follow the tug through the bridge.  Moments later he observed a barge approaching his vessel approximately 20 feet away.  He immediately engaged his vessel in reverse but inevitably struck the lead barge of tug boat McKenzie Waxler head on.  The two vessels then collided once more in operator’s attempt to escape the oncoming barge.  Aboard operator’s vessel (LA 5045FR) were 5 passengers.  No one aboard were wearing PFD's and alcohol did not play a factor in the incident.  3 of the 6 passengers sustained minor injuries associated to muscle strain.


BARDID: LA-2010-0021
Date: 2010-04-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 03:30:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Vermilion Bay
NearestCityTown: Lydia
County: Iberia
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Improper Lookout
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Fixed Object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On April 14, 2010 at approximately 3:30 a.m. Vessel  was returning from a fishing trip in Vermilion Bay.  The vessel was occupied with two subjects.  While traveling north towards Quintana Canal the operator hit the break water jetties along the coast.  After the initial contact with the jetty, the vessel began taking on water.  The passenger called 911 for help.  
At approximately 5:15 a.m. LDWF agents made contact with the vessel.  AGents loaded the two subjects and brought them to safety.  The operator was transported to Iberia Medical Center.  The passenger had no injuries and refused medical treatment.  operator sustained moderate head trauma.  PFD's were not used.  No signs of drug or alcohol use.  The vessel had severe damage to motor and hull.


BARDID: LA-2010-0022
Date: 2010-04-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Hanson Canal
NearestCityTown: Houma
County: Terrebonne
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unforeseen water hazard
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Submerged Object
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel  struct submerged object. No alcohol was involved. All passengers were wearing PFD's.  No injuries were reported.


BARDID: LA-2010-0023
Date: 2010-04-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:45:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Orange Grove Canal
NearestCityTown: Houma
County: Terrebonne
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Improper Lookout
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INATTENTION
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Two Vessels were traveling south in Orange Grove Canal.  One vessel was to the starboard and approximately one half of a boat lenght behind the other.The second vessel then attempted to make a 90 degrre turn to its starboard to enter a tributary which intersected with Orange Grove Canal directly in the path of the first vessel, The two vessels then collided.  No injuries were reported in this incident. Drugs and Alcohol were not a factor.  Both vessels were equipped with the proper number of PFD's, but were not worn at the time of the incident


BARDID: LA-2010-0024
Date: 2010-04-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:20:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: SOUTH PASS
NearestCityTown: MANCHAC
County: Tangipahoa
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: EXCESSIVE SPEED
AccidentCause3: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL 1 WAS HEADING EAST ON SOUTH PASS IN MANCHAC. VESSEL 1 WAS ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF PASS. VESSEL 2 WAS HEADING WEST APPROX. 100-150 YADS NORTH OF VESSEL 1. VESSEL 2 WAS TRAVELING AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED CAUSING A LARGE WAKE. VESSEL 1 WAS TRAVELING ON PLANE AND JUMPED THE LARGE WAKE OF VESSEL 2. SUBJECTS IN VESSEL 1 FELL TO THE FLOOR OF THE VESSEL. ONE SUBJECT IN VESSEL 1 WAS SERIOUSLY INJURED. OPERATOR OF VESSEL 1 WAS INTOXICATED. NO PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICES WERE USED.


BARDID: LA-2010-0025
Date: 2010-04-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:45:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Ouachita River
NearestCityTown: Monroe
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
AccidentEvent2: PERSON STRUCK BY VESSEL
RedactedNarrative:
On 04-03-2010 at approximately 4:45pm, a boat accident occurred on the Ouachita River involving two vessels that collided.  LDWF Enforcement was notified of the accident on 04-05-2010. The operator of vessel #1 was slowly operating a personal watercraft (Jetski) on the Ouachita River when he was struck by another vessel from the rear starboard side.  operator of vessel #1, was the only person injured in the accident.  He was taken to St. Francis Medical Center where doctors advised that right leg was broken and his right shoulder was dislocated. Both operators' and several witnesses said that neither party had consumed any alcohol on this day. Operator1 and his 12 year old passenger were both wearing PFD's. The operator of vessel #2, and her passenger were not wearing PFD's but said the vessel was equipped with several. (See detailed description of incident)


BARDID: LA-2010-0026
Date: 2010-05-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Pearl River Navigation Canal
NearestCityTown: Pearl River
County: St. Tammany
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Navigation Rules Violation
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INATTENTION
AccidentCause3: OPERATOR INEXPERIENCE
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
AccidentEvent2: PERSON STRUCK BY VESSEL
RedactedNarrative:
On may 15th, 2010 agents of the louisiana department of wildlife and fisheries, division of law enforcement were dispatched to a two (2) vessel accident with injuries on the pearl river navigational canal between locks one (1) and two (2) in the community of sixth ward, north of pearl river, louisiana. Upon arrival sgt. learned from deputies on scene that a personal watercraft occupied by two (2) subjects had been ran over by another vessel occupied by three (3) subjects. Deputies also stated that a third (3rd) personal watercraft, operated by a single white male was with the aforementioned vessels; however it was not involved in the accident. During the course of the investigation it was learned that vessel #1, a 2000 bombardier jet ski was riding within close proximity of vessel #2, a 1979, 20' cobia, open motor vessel. Operator1, according to witnesses, intentionally sprayed Operator2 and his passengers with water which temporarily blinded Operator2, which resulted in Operator1 and his passenger being ran over by Operator2's vessel which resulted in moderate injuries to both Operator1 and his female passenger. As a result of the investigation it was determined that due to Operator1's actions he was responsible for the accident, therefore he was cited in accordance with lrs 34:851.5 "reckless operation". During the course of the investigation, it was determined that all parties listed above were in full compliance with all safety regulations and alcohol was not a contributing factor in this accident.


BARDID: LA-2010-0029
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2010-04-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: CANE RIVER
NearestCityTown: NATCHITOCHES
County: NATCHITOCHES
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
RedactedNarrative:
After getting fuel at Point Place, operator continued up the river.  He heard a pop from the motor area and lost power of the vessel.  He thne observed smoke from the engine compartment.  After opening the compartment, fire had consumed the engine area. operator attempted to extinquish the flames and failed.  All persons on board jumped into the water and swam safely to the bank.


BARDID: LA-2010-0030
Date: 2010-03-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: BIG CREEK
NearestCityTown: DEVILLE
County: AVOYELLES
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Fixed Object
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On March 8, 2010 at approximately 8 am, operator was traveling eastward in Big Creek.  He was attempting to avoid a downed tree top when he accidently accelerated causing him to strike a cypress tree with the bow of the vessel.  The impact caused him to be ejected from the boat.  operator PFD was worn and he was rescued within a short period by some nearby fisherman.  operaotr was then transported to Rapides Regional Hospital.


BARDID: LA-2010-0032
Date: 2010-05-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: False River
NearestCityTown: Jarreau
County: Pointe Coupee
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Skier Mishap
RedactedNarrative:
According to witnesses on May 15, 2010 at approximately 12:00 p.m. vessel 1 was heading south on False River while pulling subject on a wakeboard.  wakeboarder fell causing the board to strike him on the rear of his head causing a laceration approximately 2 inches in length.  victim was treated at Pointe Coupee General Hospital and released.


BARDID: LA-2010-0033
Date: 2010-05-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:20:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Blind River
NearestCityTown: Maurepas
County: Ascension
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Force of Wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Skier Mishap
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL #1 OPERATED BY 25YO, WAS TOWING A SKIER, 25 ON A WAKE BOARD ON THE BLIND RIVER TRAVELING DOWN STREAM AT APPROXIMATELY 17-20 MPH. WHILE operator HEADED TOWARDS LAKE MAUREPAS, skier CROSSED THE WAKE BEHIND THE BOAT FROM RIGHT TO LEFT AND FELL FORWARD AS HE IMPACTED THE WATER CAUSING THE WAKE BOARD TO STRIKE HIM IN THE BACK OF THE HEAD. THE RESULT OF THE STRIKE TO THE HEAD CAUSED A SUBSTANTIAL LACERATION WHICH REQUIRED 13 STAPLES TO CLOSE. skier WAS WEARING A PFD AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. ALCOHOL IS NOT BELIEVED TO BE A FACTOR IN THIS INCIDENT. NO CITABLE VIOLATIONS WERE FOUND.


BARDID: LA-2010-0034
Date: 2010-05-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:30:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LITTLE CHENE BLANC
NearestCityTown: Maurepas
County: Livingston
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Improper Lookout
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Submerged Object
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR OF VESSEL #1 WAS CRUSING / MANEUVERING A 25' PARTY BARGE WITH (11) ELEVEN PASSENGERS ONBOARD HIS VESSEL. THEY WERE TRAVELING FROM BLIND RIVER ALONG LITTLE CHENE BLANC BAYOU IN LIVINGSTON PARISH ENROUTE TO CHINQUAPIN CANAL. WHILE MANEUVERING THE VESSEL THROUGH A SHARP CURVE IN LITTLE CHENE BLANC BAYOU THE LOWER UNIT OF THE VESSEL'S MOTOR STRUCK A SUBMERGED STUMP DAMAGING THE LOWER UNIT RENDERING THE VESSEL INOPERABLE. NO INCIDENT RELATED INJURIES WERE REPORTED. ALCOHOL IS NOT BELIEVED TO BE A FACTOR IN THIS INCIDENT. NO CITABLE VIOLATIONS WERE FOUND.


BARDID: LA-2010-0036
Date: 2010-04-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:30:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE PONTCHARTRAIN
NearestCityTown: KENNER
County: Jefferson - 26
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Sudden Medical Condition
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
SUBJECTS WERE PREPARING TO TIE UP AT THE CAUSEWAY TO FISH WHEN THE VICTIM FELL OFF OF FRONT DECK AND SUFFERED A HEART ATTACK.  IT IS UNCLEAR WHETHER OR NOT THE VICTIM HAD THE HEART ATTACK BEFORE HE ENTERED THE WATER OR AFTER HE WENT INTO THE WATER AND PANICKED. INVESTIGATION IS PENDING. PFD'S WERE ON BOARD, BUT WERE NOT USED.  ALCOHOL WAS NOT A FACTOR.


BARDID: LA-2010-0038
Date: 2010-05-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 06:10:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: SALVADOR WMA OILFIELD CANAL
NearestCityTown: BAYOU GAUCHE
County: ST CHARLES
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Excessive Speed
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INATTENTION
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 had been launched in Des Allemands and was proceeding through the Salvador WMA Oilfield Canais; when attempting to make a left turn vessel 1's bow dug into the water and the operator was ejected while the passenger remained in the boat.  The operator sustained some injury after being ejected and was taken and relaeased from the hospital the same day of the incident.  It is not believed that alcohol or drugs were a contributing factor in this accident.  Both the operator and passenger in Vessel 1 were wearing USCG approved inflatable life jackets and the operators PFD successfully deployed after he was ejected.


BARDID: LA-2010-0039
Date: 2010-05-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:20:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: MISSISSIPPI RIVER
NearestCityTown: NEW ORLEANS
County: ORLEANS
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
Wind: Storm
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inexperience
AccidentCause2: HAZARDOUS WATERS
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Floating Object
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 5-1-2010 at approximately 1420 two subjects and two large breed dogs were on a 15ft canoe, without any life jackets, in the Mississippi river, near the Carrollton Avenue area, in Orleans Parish. The weather conditions were severe, winds out of the south at 30 mph and a very strong current in the river which created 4ft waves.  The subjects were witnessed by a tug boat Cpt. and his mate having trouble with the current and heading toward a group of rake barges known as the Carrollton Fleet.  As the Cpt. and his mate headed down river they lost sight of the subjects and knew something bad had happened.  They immediately called for help from other tug boats on the river and also notified the Coast Guard and N.O. Harbor Police.  After searching the area a tug boat was able to recover the canoe and a waterproof bag containing one of the missing subject's phones, some dog food, and a twelve pack of Heineken beer.  Search and Rescue crews were unable to locate the two subjects at the time of the incident.  Both were recovered in the river days after the incident.


BARDID: LA-2010-0041
Date: 2010-05-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:30:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Delcambre Canal
NearestCityTown: Delcambre
County: Iberia
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentCause2: IMPROPER LOOKOUT
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Submerged Object
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person Struck by Propeller
RedactedNarrative:
On 5-6-10, vessel was headed southeast down the Delcambre Canal to do some recreational fishing.  The subject claims to have hit a submerged object around channel marker 19.  The only occupant of the vessel, the operator, was ejected into the water and was struck by the vessel's propeller.  The vessel continued to make revolutions around him until he was able to swim out of the vessels path.  operator was not wearing a PFD nor utilizing the engines kill switch as required by LRS 34:851.24.  operator was picked up by another vessel headed down the canal.  He was brought to the Delcambre boat launch and transported by ambulance to Lafayette General.  operator received numberous breaks in his right leg from the propeller of the engine.  He also has major bruising on his left thigh.


BARDID: LA-2010-0042
Date: 2010-04-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:30:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LITTLE RIVER
NearestCityTown: MARKSVILLE
County: AVOYELLES - 05
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Excessive Speed
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Fixed Object
RedactedNarrative:
Subject was returning from fishing, traveling in the same channel that he had entered the area in earlier.  Debris blocked his route under a bridge. when this was notcied manuvers were made in an attempt to avoid the debris and the bridge but the starboard side of the boat hit the bridge pilon.  No drugs or alcohol detected and PFD's were worn.


BARDID: LA-2010-0043
Date: 2010-04-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:25:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Blind River
NearestCityTown: Maurepas
County: Livingston
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Navigation Rules Violation
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INATTENTION
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
AccidentEvent2: PERSON STRUCK BY VESSEL
RedactedNarrative:
According to operator's statements and my investigation, on may 14, 2010, at approx 4:25 p.m., Operator1 and Operator2 were each operating individual personal watercrafts (pwc) on the blind river near its intersection with little chene blanc bayou, in livingston parish. They were traveling near the center of the river heading upstream at approx 45-50 mph. According to both subjects, Operator1 sped up and turned in front of Operator2 spraying him in the face with water and temporarily obscuring his vision. Operator2's vessel then struck Operator1 and Operator1's vessel. As a result of the collision Operator1 suffered several significant injuries about his head and facial area along with injuries to his right arm and knee. Operator1 was later issued a citation for reckless operation of a watercraft. Alcohol is not believed to be a factor in this incident. Both operators were wearing pfd's.


BARDID: LA-2010-0044
Date: 2010-05-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:45:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Amite River Diversion Canal
NearestCityTown: Maurepas
County: Ascension
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentCause2: Force of wave/wake
AccidentCause3: CONGESTED WATERS
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Fixed Object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On may 22, 2010, operator was operating a vessel in the amite river diversion canal in heavy traffic and rough wave action. The vessels estimated speed was reportedly 15-20 m.p.h. at the time of the incident. At approx 5:45 p.m., Operator was attempting to cross the wake of a boat in front of him. He lost control of his vessel and struck a bulkhead where his vessel came to rest. When agents arrived on the scene, Operator had a laceration to the right side of his forehead and was complaining of head and arm pain. Operator stated that the cause of his injuries were due to his face and arm hitting the windshield when the vessel hit the bulkhead. Ems was summoned and Operator was transported by acadian ambulance service to our lady of the lake hospital in baton rouge for treatment. Operator suffered a bruised right arm, a bruised face, and he received 5 sutures to close the laceration on his forehead. (sole passenger) suffered a sprained ankle due to the collision but received no medical attention beyond first aid. Operator was subsequently issued a citation for lrs 34:851.5 - reckless operation of a vessel. Alcohol is not believed to be a factor in this incident. Property damage to the vessel is estimated to be over $500. Pfd's were on board but were not used.


BARDID: LA-2010-0045
Date: 2010-05-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Amite River
NearestCityTown: Port Vincent
County: Ascension
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Force of Wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Skier Mishap
RedactedNarrative:
According to operator and witness statements, on may 22, 2010, at approx 4:30pm, operator operated a vessel while towing his wife on a round, donut style, towable tube. They were traveling upstream near the center of the amite river at approx 30 mph. While turning the vessel, the tube flipped victim forceably into the water. She complained of severe leg and hip pain on her right side. Acadian ambulance transported her to st. Elizabeth hospital where, after examination, her final diagnosis was determined to be a severly bruised hip and leg. She required no further medical treatment. Alcohol is not suspected to be a factor in this incident. victim was wearing a type iii pfd at the time of the incident. The vessel was properly equipped with pfd's. operator was issued a citation for an expired vessel registration due to the fact that it had expired in august 2009. No other citations were issued in relation to this incident.


BARDID: LA-2010-0046
Date: 2010-05-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Ponchatrain
NearestCityTown: Mandeville
County: St. Tammany
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous Waters
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
RedactedNarrative:
On may 29, 2010 at approx 5:00pm a single boat swamping resulting in no injuries and no fatalities occured in lake pontchartrain, just west of the north draw of the causeway. The vessel (vessel 1) was a 20 foot pro-craft v-200c. Vessel 1 was owned and operated by the same person. At the time of the incident vessel 1 had three people on board. Prior to the incident the occupants of vessel one were fishing south at the south draw of the causeway. operator saw approaching bad weather and attempted to return to port and began to head north. As the seas got rough waves came over the bow of the boat and vessel 1 swamped just to the west of the north draw of the causeway. All three persons on board abandoned ship, into the water, wearing type iii pfd's and were rescued from the water by s.t.p.s.o. with out injury. Neither alcohol nor drugs caused or contributed to this incident. operator recovered vessel 1 from lake pontchartrain on the morning of june 2, 2010, and brought it to his home where it was photographed and examined by agent.


BARDID: LA-2010-0047
Date: 2010-05-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: TOLEDO BEND LAKE
NearestCityTown: MANY
County: SABINE
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Excessive Speed
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INATTENTION
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel #1 was traveling down the Lowes Creek boat lane. At the intersection of Lowes Creek and the main north/south boat lane, vessel #1 collided with vessel #2 which was travling down lake (south) in the north/south boat lane.  Apparenlty both boat's operators attempted to avoid the collision. Vessel #1 is believed to have veered starboard (right).  Vessel #2 is believed to have veered port (left).  The boats contacted with vessel #1 riding up on the starboard side of vessel #2.  The point of first contact on vessel #1 is believed to be the port side area under the bow.  Vessel #1 has about a 4-6 inch long perforation in the bottom of the hull about 6 feet from the stern.  Texas Parks and Wildlife Agent is a witness and assisted in investigating this accident.  Vessel #1 was a 21 foot Triton brand fiberglass hull fishing boat with Florida registration, equipped with a 250 HP Mercury outboard engine registered to operator.  Vessel #2 was a 19 foot Skeeter brand fiberglass fishing boat, with Louisiana registration equipped with a 200 HP Yamaha brand outboard engine.s


BARDID: LA-2010-0048
Date: 2010-05-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 06:30:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: TOLEDO BEND LAKE
NearestCityTown: HORNBECK
County: SABINE
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inexperience
AccidentCause2: EXCESSIVE SPEED
AccidentCause3: Restricted Vision
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Operator2 was operating his boat on plane southbound in the main North/South boat lane with one passenger onboard.  Operator1 was operating his boat on plane northbound in the main North/South boat lane with one juvenile passenger onboard.  As the boats were approaching near the intersection of the East/West 4 boat lane, Operator1 hit a wake causing him to lose control of his boat.  Operator1 made an abrupt turn to port and came off plane, placing him in Operator2's path of travel.  Operator2 turned hard to starboard in an effort to avoid a collision, but struck Operator1's boat anyway.  First point of impact was Operator2's port beam with Operator1's starboard stern.  After initial impact, Operator1's starboard beam rotated into Operator2's boat causing a secondary impact.  All subjects were properly wearing PFD's and both operators had their kill switches attached.  No one was injured.


BARDID: LA-2010-0051
Date: 2010-06-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:30:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Bayou Choctaw
NearestCityTown: Brusly
County: West Baton Rouge
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unforeseen water hazard
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Submerged Object
AccidentEvent2: GROUNDING
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
While traveling south on Choctaw Bayou vessel 1 hit a submerged underwater object causing operator to lose control.  Vessel continued up onto the west bank of the bayou hitting two trees and ejecting the operator and passenger.  No injuries were sustained to the operator, passenger sustained three cracked ribs and a punctured lung.  PFD's were on board but not worn and alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: LA-2010-0052
Date: 2010-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:40:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Old River
NearestCityTown: Morganza
County: Pointe Coupee
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Machinery Failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
RedactedNarrative:
On above mentioned date and time, operator was operating a 22 foot Baha.  Operator had recently purchased this vessel.  Operator boat had 6 passengers on board, and was operating on Old River in Pointe Coupee Parish.  Operator said he had been operating the vessel for approximately 15 minutes when the engine died.  Operator and his passengers all say they smelled gas fumes after the engine stopped.  Operator stated that they opened the engine cover and turned on the blower to remove the fumes prior to restarting the engine.  According to Operator the engine restarted and they began to idle.  Operator and his passengers all stated a short time after restarting the engine, "the boat blew up."  All of the boat's occupants ended up in the water.  Most remember jumping in but some are not sure how they got in to the water.  West Felieician Sheriff's Deputies were near by in a boat, and were able to pull all the boat's occupants from the water and safely return them to the boat dock for medical treament.  The flash blast immediatly extinguished itself.  There was minimal obvious damage to the vessel itself and in the engine compartment.  Up on closer inspection of the engine compartment, it was found that the bilge area was full of gasoline.  Operator did state that they saw water in the bilge.  The water that Operator and the boat occupants saw was gasoline.  The engine leaked a large amount of fuel in to the bilge and at some point there was a spark that ignited the fumes from the fuel in the bilge and resulted in the flash blast.  PFD's were on board but not in use and alcohol is not suspected as a contributing factor.


BARDID: LA-2010-0053
Date: 2010-07-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:45:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Calcasieu River
NearestCityTown: LeBleu Settlement
County: Calcasieu - 10
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Excessive Speed
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INATTENTION
AccidentCause3: OPERATOR INEXPERIENCE
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Subject was opearting vessel traveling south on Calcasieu River.  Subject tried to turn to port, and the vessel would not turn.  The vessel struck several trees on the bank and ended up on the bank.  Subject had minor abrasions, lacerations and contusions to the right side of his face and to his right arm.  Subject stated he was not wearing personal flotation device at the time of the incident, and that he was wearing safety cut off lanyard at the time of the incident.  Subject was brought to Memorial Hospital in Lake Charles for injuries he sustained, but was released before agents were able to get to the hospital.  Subject left hospital, refusing x-rays for possible broken bones, went to local convenience store and purchased alcohol.  Agents met up with operator after he admittedly already consumed 7-8 alcoholic bevereages.  No tests for impairement were administered

        Citation D 515784 was issued to Operator1 for Reckless Operation of Watercraft,  Boat FL 6034 NJ.


BARDID: LA-2010-0054
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2010-06-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Intracoastal Waterway
NearestCityTown: Houma
County: Terrebonne
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inexperience
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INATTENTION
AccidentCause3: EXCESSIVE SPEED
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: SINKING
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday, 19th June 2010, approximately 2200 hours, Vessel#1 (LA_5018-FP), occupied by four people, was traveling west in the Intracoastal Waterway in Terrebonne Parish. Vessel#1 was attempting to overtake Vessel#2 a tug in tow with two barges, when Vessel#1 took a swell over the bow caused by the propeller wash caused by Vessel#2. Vessel#1 sank and was unable to be recovered. The four occupants of Vessel#1 swam to the shoreline and was rescued by another vessel. No one sustained any injuries caused by the accident. No one aboard Vessel#1 was using PFDs. It is unknown as of this time if drugs or alcohol was a contributing factor to the accident.


BARDID: LA-2010-0056
Date: 2010-06-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Fields
NearestCityTown: Lockport
County: Lafourche - 29
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inexperience
AccidentCause2: IMPROPER LOOKOUT
AccidentCause3: EXCESSIVE SPEED
AccidentEvent1: Skier Mishap
RedactedNarrative:
Operator of vessel was towing two people on an inner tube in Lake Fields on Sunday, June 6, 2010. Subjects were heading Southeast when the operator decided to make a sharp port turn causing tubers to be caried outside the wake of the vessel causing one of the tubers to strike a stationary dock. tuber sustained injuries to the right side of her body. Second tuber went airborne over both injured tuber and the dock sustaining no injuries. Type 3 PFD's were worn by both subjects on the tube at the time of the incident. operator violated Navigation Rules of the Road #8, #16 and #20 and was issued citation for RS 34:851.5 (Reckless Operation of a Watercraft). Statements were obtained from operator, lookout passenger and injured tuber. After completing the investigation agents found that alcohol was not a factor in the incident.


BARDID: LA-2010-0057
Date: 2010-06-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:45:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Bistineau
NearestCityTown: Sibley
County: Webster
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Other
AccidentCause2: HULL FAILURE
OtherAccidentCause: unforeseen water hazard
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Fixed Object
RedactedNarrative:
operator was traveling north in his vessel in the channel of Lake Bistineau.  operator's outboard motor struck a stump and tore loose from the transom and landed on the rear deck of the vessel.  The vessel's transom appeared to have prior water damage before the incident.  The vessel contained proper PFD's and other safety requirements.


BARDID: LA-2010-0060
Date: 2010-06-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:15:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Vermillion River
NearestCityTown: Abbeville
County: Vermillion - 57
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Force of Wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 6/13/10 at approximately 3:30 p.m. Sr. Agent and I received a report of a vessel being swamped by another vessel on the Vermilion River in Abbeville.  We responded to the Hwy 14 boat launch where we met with the operator of Vessel #1.  The operator of Vessel #1 advised that he was traveling south on the Vermillion River somewhere between Woodlawn and the Hwy 14  boat ramp in Abbeville when his vessel was swamped by the wake from Vessel #2.  He advised that his passenger fell in the vessel and was injured as a result of the wake.  Sr. Agent and I met with the operator of Vessel #2 in Youngsville.  The operator of Vessel #2 advised that he was traveling north on the Vermillion River south of Maurice when his vessel was approached by Vessel #1.  The operator of Vessel #2 advised that he slowed down to idle speed as the passenger in Vessel #1 was standing in the vessel waving her arms and shouting obscenities.  The operator of Vessel #2 said the actions of Vessel #1 caused the passenger in Vessel #1 to fall inside the vessel.  See attached statements.  There were two (2) people total in Vessel #1 and two (2) people total in Vessel #2.  According to statements both occupants in Vessel #1 were wearing PFD's.  Neither occupant in Vessel #2 were wearing PFD's.  Neither operators showed any signs of impairment.  

Note, the lat and long is unknown.   The depth of water is unknown.


BARDID: LA-2010-0062
Date: 2010-03-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: HORSESHOE LAKE
NearestCityTown: BASTROP
County: Morehouse
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentCause2: EXCESSIVE SPEED
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Submerged Object
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
AccidentEvent3: PERSON STRUCK BY VESSEL
RedactedNarrative:
According to operator, he was motoring in Horseshoe Lake when his vessel hit a submerged stump.  The impact forced operator to fall overboard out of his vessel.  The boat then circled, hitting him as he floated in the water.  Operator stated that the impact of the vessel and/or motor caused a injury to his back.  There was no significant damage to the vessel.  According  to his statements, operator was properly wearing a floatation device at the time of the incident.


BARDID: LA-2010-0063
Date: 2010-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:18:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: BLACK RIVER
NearestCityTown: JONESVILLE
County: CATAHOULA
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INEXPERIENCE
AccidentCause3: Alcohol
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 10:18 PM two subjects were running a trot line near the Black River lock and dam.  The boat they were using was a 12' Bateau without any type of motor.  While running their trot line this boat overturned and partially sank.  Neither man was wearing a PFD and, there were no PFD's found in the boat.  According to a witness the men did not take any PFD's with them and they both had been drinking alcohol.  Dragging operation began that night and continued until approximately 3 AM the next morning.  At approximately 7 AM dragging operation began again and their bodies were found at approximately 8:41 AM and 8:46 AM.  Catahoula Parish Coroner Raymond Rouse sent the bodies off for an autopsy.


BARDID: LA-2010-0067
Date: 2010-05-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Maurepas
NearestCityTown: Maurepas
County: Livingston
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentEvent1: Person Departed Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Struck by Propeller
RedactedNarrative:
ON MAY 29, 2010, operator WAS OPERATING A VESSEL  ON LAKE MAUREPAUS WITH 4 PASSENGERS. THE PASSENGERS JUMPED FROM THE VESSEL INTO THE WATER TO GO SWIMMING. operator RETURNED TO THE NOW SWIMMING PASSENGERS TO RETRIEVE THEM FROM THE WATER. AS HE PULLED UP TO THEM, HE THOUGHT HE PUT THE VESSEL IN THE LOCKED NEUTRAL POSITION. IT WAS NOT. operator THEN JUMPED INTO THE WATER, ACCIDENTLY STRIKING THE THROTTLE WHICH CAUSED THE VESSEL TO ACCELERATE. THE VESSEL THEN WENT INTO A COUNTERCLOCKWISE ROTATION (DEATH CIRCLE), STRIKING 4 OUT OF THE 5 PEOPLE. THIS CAUSED 3 FATALITIES AND 1 SERIOUS BODILY INJURY. ALCOHOL IS NOT SUSPECTED TO BE A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR. (BLOOD DRAWN RESULTS PENDING @ LSP CRIME LAB. PFD'S WERE NOT USED AND ONLY 3 WERE SERVICEABLE.


BARDID: LA-2010-0068
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2010-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:45:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Ponchatrain
NearestCityTown: Slidell
County: St. Tammany
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INEXPERIENCE
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: CAPSIZING
AccidentEvent3: SINKING
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR AND THREE OTHER PERSONS WERE FISHING IN LAKE PONTCHARTRAIN NEAR U.S. HIGHWAY 11. THE WAVES BEGAN TO GET LARGER SO THE GROUP DECIDED TO RETURN TO THE LAUNCH AT TITE'S, AT THE FOOT OF THE U.S. HWY 11 BRIDGE, ON THE NORTH SHORE OF LAKE PONTCHARTRAIN. OPERATOR TRIED TO START THE ENGINE ON THE VESSEL BUT IT WOULD NOT CRANK. A LARGE WAVE CAME OVER THE BOW AND GUNWALES OF THE VESSEL CAUSNG IT TO BE SWAMPED. THE OCCUPANTS TRIED TO BAIL THE WATER OUT OF THE BOAT TO NO AVAIL. A PASSER-BY SAW THE OCCUPANTS IN DISTRESS AND BEGAN TO TOW THEM IN TO SHORE. UPON AGENT’s ARRIVAL TO THE SCENE THE VESSEL HAS MINIMAL FREE BOARD. AGENT ATTEMPTED TO RETRIEVE THE PASSENGERS FROM THE SWAMPED VESSEL AT WHICH TIME IT CAPSIZED. ALL FOUR OCCUPANTS OF THE VESSEL WERE RESCUED FROM LAKE PONTCHARTRAIN AND WERE SAFELY ABOARD AGENT PATROL VESSEL. ALL THE OCCUPANTS WERE BROUGHT TO SHORE AND THE VESSEL SANK AND COULD NOT BE LOCATED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES OR FATALITIES, ALCOHOL AND DRUG USE IS NOT SUSPECTED TO BE A FACTOR, AND ALL PFD REQUIREMENTS WERE MET.


BARDID: LA-2010-0069
Date: 2010-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: RIGOLETS ESTATES PRIVATE CANAL
NearestCityTown: Slidell
County: St. Tammany
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Submerged Object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR AND THREE OTHER PERSONS WERE IDLING IN THE NO WAKE ZONE AT THE ENTRANCE OF RIGOLETS ESTATES PRIVATE CANAL HEADING TOWARD LAKE PONTCHARTRAIN. JUST AS OPERATOR WAS BEGINNING TO ACCELERATE THE OURBOARD ENGINE'S LOWER UNIT STRUCK A SUBMERGED PILING. THIS CAUSED THE STERN OF THE BOAT TO RISE UP, CAUSING OPERATOR'S HEAD TO STRIKE THE VESSEL'S CENTER CONSOLE. OPERATOR AND THREE OTHER OCCUPANTS RETURNED TO THEIR HOME NEARBY. ACADIAN AMBULANCE SERVICE TRANSPORTED OPERATOR TO SLIDELL MEMORIAL HOSPITAL FOR POSSIBLE HEAD INJURIES. OPERATOR UNDERWENT A CAT SCAN AT THE HOSPITAL. THE ATTENDING PHYSICIAN ADVISED AGENT THAT NO INJURIES WERE OBSERVED AND OPERATOR WAS RELEASED FROM THE HOSPITAL. ALCOHOL AND DRUG USE IS NOT SUSPECTED TO BE A FACTOR. ALL PFD REQUIREMENTS WERE MET.


BARDID: LA-2010-0070
Date: 2010-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 07:14:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Little Bayou Pigeon
NearestCityTown: Plaquemine
County: Iberville
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Force of Wave/wake
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INEXPERIENCE
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Submerged Object
AccidentEvent2: GROUNDING
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 7-3-10 at 7:10 a.m. operator was traveling west in Little Bayou Pigeon. He was following behind another vessel in a right hand curve when his vessel got caught on the wake of the vessel in front of him.  This caused operator's vessel to veer to the right, as the vessel got closer to the bank it struck a submerged object causing his vessel to swerve to the right and run onto the bank.  The bow of his vessel struck a large tree ejecting operator out of the vessel and onto the ground in front of the vessel.  operator was wearing his PFD at type 3.


BARDID: LA-2010-0071
Date: 2010-05-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:55:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: BAKERS BAY
NearestCityTown: DELACROIX ISLAND
County: Plaquemines - 38
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Machinery Failure
MachineryFailure: Steering
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR OF VESSEL WAS CRUISING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH FOR MAYBE 30 SECONDS. OPERATOR FELT A SNAP THROUGH THE STEERING WHEEL. SUDDENLY THE VESSEL BECAME UNABLE TO MANEUVER AND SHARPLY TURNED HARD TO THE RIGHT.  PASSENGERS WERE THROWN TO THE LEFT OF THE VESSEL. ONE INJURED SUBJECT.  POSSIBLE BROKEN BACK AND RIBS.  NO ALCOHOL INVOLVED. NO PFD'S USED. NO KILL SWITCH USED.


BARDID: LA-2010-0072
Date: 2010-05-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:15:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE CATHERINE
NearestCityTown: NEW ORLEANS
County: ORLEANS
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Force of Wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was cruising across lake catherine towards fort pike canal.  Vessel 2 was at anchor at the point of land joining the two bodies of water and its occupants were fishing.  Vessel 1 passed vessel 2 at a rate of speed and distance away that caused the wake of vessel 1 to impact vessel 2 with an unknown amount of force.  According to written statements by the passengers for vessel 2, the wake of vessel 1 caused the passengers of vessel 2 to fall inside of the vessel, causing unknown levels of injury (medical reports are pending). Vessel 1 later approached vessel 2 and the operators were involved in a verbal confrontation.  Varying witness statements describe different levels of impact the wake of vessel 1 caused and the level of possible injury sustained.

Alcohol and/or drugs did not appear to be a factor and pfd's were on board but not worn during the incident.


BARDID: LA-2010-0073
Date: 2010-06-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 07:30:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Bayou Sorrel Cut
NearestCityTown: Plaquemine
County: Iberville
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Excessive Speed
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INATTENTION
AccidentCause3: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Collision with Fixed Object
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 7:30 a.m. Operator was travelling southbound in Bayou Sorrel when he went through a curve and hit the wake of a northbound vessel causing him to lose control and run his vessel agraound colliding with a fixed object (tree).  Operator had minor injuries to his leg.  Alcohol and drugs are not suspected and Operator was wearing a properly fitted and serviceable personal flotation device.  A kill switch lanyard was equipped and properly used.


BARDID: LA-2010-0074
Date: 2010-07-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 03:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Bayou Terrebonne
NearestCityTown: Montegut
County: Terrebonne - 55
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Poor
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Improper Lookout
AccidentCause2: EXCESSIVE SPEED
AccidentCause3: OPERATOR INATTENTION
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Commercial Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/Swamping
RedactedNarrative:
According to vessel operator and passengers, vessel1, (LA-7503-EE) was traveling north in Bayou Terrebonne. One of the passengers was seated on the port side passenger seat directly opposite of the operator's station. That passenger was asleep and appeared to be falling over the side of the vessel. The operator then claimed to have put the vessel in neutral and pulled the passenger back into the seat. They then claimed to have "drifted" into a barge that was moored to the bank. The operator and passengers claimed that no alcohol or drugs were involved.


BARDID: LA-2010-0075
Date: 2010-05-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:30:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Blind River
NearestCityTown: Gramercy
County: St. James - 47
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Excessive Speed
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INATTENTION
AccidentCause3: OPERATOR INEXPERIENCE
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Fixed Object
AccidentEvent2: GROUNDING
RedactedNarrative:
Agents were advised through dispatch of a boating incident at approximately 11:30pm on 5/29/10. Upon arrival St. James Sheriff Deputies had already transported the 3 individuals to St. James Boat Club. Agenst spoke with the 2 passengers involved. They both stated that they had not observed anything of the crash due to the fact they were lying on the floor of the vessel covered up in blankets. The operator stated that he hit a submerged stump, and landed on the bank.Agents observed the area of the incident and observed a stump above the water line with transfer markings on it. Agents also observed a tree with the limbs broken off of it. Agenst observed the vessel resting on a tree on the bank. Agenst detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage upon the operators breath. The ooperator voluntarily submitted to a uribe test, results pending. The opeerator also submitted to a breath test which was conducted and shown his BAC to be .000. At this time agents believed the operator struck a tree that was in the water near the bank with the port side of the vessel. The vessel then veered to the right striking a tree on the bank, and coming to rest upon the bank. There were 5 type 2 PFD's, 3 type 3 PFD's and 1 type 5 PFD on the vessel and none were used.


BARDID: LA-2010-0076
Date: 2010-06-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Bayou Little Caillou
NearestCityTown: Chauvin
County: Terrebonne - 55
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Commercial Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was traveling north in Bayou Little Caillou and drifted to far to the starboard bank. Operator was looking down at something in the bottom of the vessel and looked up to see that he was on a collision course with a barge that was moored on the eastern bank. Operator tried to make a hard turn to port. The vessel being a fiberglass flat bottom vessel began to slide and it collided with the barge. The operator sustained injuries. He was wearing his PFD and ignition cut off switch. Alcohol is not suspected in this case.


BARDID: LA-2010-0077
Date: 2010-07-14 00:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Bayou Dulac
NearestCityTown: Dulac
County: Terrebonne - 55
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Machinery Failure
AccidentCause2: NAVIGATION RULES VIOLATION
MachineryFailure: Steering
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
AccidentEvent2: GROUNDING
RedactedNarrative:
On 7/14/2010 at about 5:25 pm, operator left from the Dulac Store boat launch to go fishing in Lake Boudreaux. He was following his cousinwho was in another vessel. According to family members, operator drives his vessel while sitting on top of the center steering console, in fornt of the steering wheel. As he headed towards Lake Boudreaux, he approached a hard right turn. As he turned to the right, the steering failed and his vessel made an abrupt right turn. Both operator and the steering console were ejected over the port side. The vessel ran up into the marsh and was partially covered with grass. operator was reported missing later that night by his girlfriend at about 10:58 pm. Terrebonne S/O and the USCG searched through the night for him. His vessel was located at 6:45 am on 7/15/2010 and he was recovered from the water by Terrebonne S/O at 5:21 pm that same day. operator was not wearing a PFD, nor was he wearing his killswitch lanyard. The use of drugs or alcohol will be determined by Terrebonne Parish Coroner's Office, pending autopsy report. The steering cable was mounted to the engine improperly and the piece of the steering console that was recovered from the water indicated that the console was rotten. This evidence, as well as the position that operator sits as he drives hi vessel are contributing factors in the cause of the incident.


BARDID: LA-2010-0078
Date: 2010-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:10:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Bayou Long
NearestCityTown: Morgan City
County: St. Martin - 50
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Excessive Speed
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INATTENTION
AccidentCause3: NAVIGATION RULES VIOLATION
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 7/4/10 at about 1910 hrs vessel #1 occupied by five people was south bound in Bayou Long near Stevensville. At the same time LA 7587 FD, occupied by five people was north bound. Both operators advised that they were on the right side of the channel. The two vessels approached each other in a nearly head on situation. After attempts by both operators to avoid a collision, vessel #2 turned hard to starboard and vessel #1 struck the port quarter of Vessel #2. Upon impact, three occupants of vessel #1; one person struck the steering wheel, another struck the forward console and the third was ejected from the front of the vessel. The third person was recovered from the water by vessel #1. Just after impact, vessel #2 headed to the bank and unloaded all of the occupants just before the vessel quickly sank. There was only one occupant (the child) involved in the incident that was wearing his PFD. Neither operator was wearing a killswitch lanyard. SFST was performed on both operators. V2 operator had no signs of intoxication. Opeartor1 was transported to teche Hospital and treated for injuries. Operator1 submitted to a blood test to determine his BAC and toxicology. Both subjects will be charged with reckless operation of a watercraft. Further charges are pending LSP crime lab scientific analysis.


BARDID: LA-2010-0079
Date: 2010-06-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE PONTCHARTRAIN
NearestCityTown: NEW ORLEANS
County: ORLEANS
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inexperience
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INATTENTION
AccidentCause3: hazardous waters
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
ON JUNE 21, 2010 AT APPROXIMATELY 11:00AM TWO SUBJECTS WERE FISHING IN LAKE PONTCHARTRAIN WHEN THEY DECIDED TO MOVE TO CALM WATER.  WHILE MANUVERING INTO THE INDUSTRIAL CANAL THE VESSEL TOOK A LARGE WAVE OVER THE BOW AND CAPSIZED.  THE TWO SUBJECTS WERE RESCUED BY A BYSTANDER AND THE USCG AND BROUGHT TO THE SEABROOK BOAT LAUNCH.  THE TWO INDIVIDUALS WERE TOOK TO BAPTIST HOSPITAL AND THE PASSENGER WAS TREATED FOR EXHAUSTION AND SHOCK.  NO ALCOHOL USE IS SUSPECTED.  THE VESSEL WAS EQUIPPED WITH APPROVED PFD'S AND A KILL SWITCH LANYARD BUT NEITHER WERE USED.


BARDID: LA-2010-0080
Date: 2010-05-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:45:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: BARATARIA WATERWAY
NearestCityTown: GRAND ISLE
County: JEFFERSON
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentCause2: Missing or Inadequate Navigation Aids
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Submerged Object
RedactedNarrative:
SUBJECTS VESSEL WAS TRAVELING NORTH IN BARATARIA WATERWAY JUST OUTSIDE OF GRAND ISLE.  THIS IS AN AREA OF OPEN WATER. SUBJECT OBSERVED A MISPLACED GREEN FLOATING BUOY AND REALIZED HE WAS NO LONGER IN THE CHANNEL.  JUST AFTER REALIZING THAT HE WAS OUT OF THE CHANNEL SUBJECT OBSERVED ROCKS AND STRUCK THEM WITH THE LOWER UNIT OF THE OUTBOARD MOTOR.  ACCORDING TO THE OPERATOR AND PASSENGERS, THEY WERE CRUISING AT ABOUT 30 MPH WHEN THE LOWER UNIT STRUCK THE ROCKS.  THERE WERE NO INJURIES INVOLVED IN THE INCIDENT.  PFD'S WERE ON BOARD THE VESSEL, BUT WERE NOT USED AND ALCOHOL WAS NOT A FACTOR.  A buoy marking the channel was missing which contributed to this accident.


BARDID: LA-2010-0081
Date: 2010-07-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:19:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Henderson Bay
NearestCityTown: Henderson
County: St. Martin
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Skier Mishap
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel LA 9337 FU was traveling Southeast in Lake Pelba, in St. Martin Parish.  The vessel was occupied with six subjects.  The operator was towing a skier, who was skiing outside the port wave.  She then decided to travel to the starboard wake.  While jumping across the port wake she plunged into the water.  At this time the wakeboard hit her causing a severe cut to the head.  She was then taken out of the water and brought to Pat's in Henderson.  She was then transported to Lafayette General Hospital for her injury, by her friend and passenger.  skier was wearing a PFD while skiing.  Alcohol was not a contributing factor.


BARDID: LA-2010-0090
Date: 2010-08-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:15:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: CALCASIEU RIVER - WEST FORK
NearestCityTown: MOSS BLUFF
County: Calcasieu - 10
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Person Departed Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
There were four (4) more passengers onboard the 22' pontoon boat.  The vessel was driven by steering wheel, and contained approximately fourteen (14) type three (3) PFD's, and one (1) type four (4) PFD.  As Operator was idling out of the no wake zone at Indian Bayou, Occupant1 and his girlfriend were concluding an argument in one of the forward seats in the vessel.  The two (2) other passengers were lying out on the back of the vessel.  Girlfriend stated that she told Occupant1 that she needed to use the restroom.  Occupant1 told her to just jump in the water, because they were just idling.  Girlfriend stated that she did not want to while the vessel was moving.  Occupant1 then got up from the seat, and dove directly over the bow of the vessel, between the pontoons.  Operator stated that all he saw was Occupant1' feet going over the front of the vessel.  Operator stated that he looked down to kill the vessel, but could not kill it in time, and he heard the vessel strike Occupant1.  Operator stated that he was unfamiliar with this type of vessel, and had only been sitting at the helm for a minute or two.  Girlfriend stated that occupant2 was operating the vessel, but the other passengers stated that occupant2 had been operating the vessel all day, but had just asked Operator to drive.  After the vessel struck Occupant1, he came up behind the vessel and stated to call an ambulance.  Girlfriend jumped into the water, and they were able to get Occupant1 onto the rear of the vessel.  They then called 911, and pulled to a dock.  Occupant1 sustained major lacerations to his lower body from the prop.  He was transported to the hospital, and passed away later that  night.  Operator was given an HGN on the dock, and showed no signs of nystagmus.  Operator was transported to the Region V office, and given a test onthe intoxilzyer 5000.  The results were 0.000g%.


BARDID: LA-2010-0091
Date: 2010-07-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Red River
NearestCityTown: Coushatta
County: Red River - 41
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Sudden Medical Condition
AccidentCause2: EXCESSIVE SPEED
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On July 2, 2010, at aproximately 2:00 p.m., vessel #1 (LA 3661 EF) was traveling upriver on the Red River, in Red River Parish, when operator lost conciousness.  Vessel #1 gradually steered to the right until it struck the ground on the east bank of the Red River.  The vessel traveled a distance of approximately 100 feet, striking numerous trees and debris on land, until coming to a forward stop and then slid down the bank resting near the waters' edge.  Both passenger and operator were ejected from the vessel, landing near the water edge.  The vessel came to its final rest atop of the passenger's legs.


BARDID: LA-2010-0093
Date: 2010-07-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:50:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY
NearestCityTown: LAFITTE
County: Jefferson - 26
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Improper Lookout
AccidentCause2: NAVIGATION RULES VIOLATION
AccidentCause3: Restricted Vision
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
AccidentEvent2: PERSON STRUCK BY VESSEL
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 (PWC) was on plane.  Vessel 2 (PWC) was on plane just of the starboard stern of Vessel 1.  Vessel 1 began "fish-tailing" and sprayed water into the face of the operator of Vessel 2.  Vessel 1 then made a sharp turn to starboard and came to rest, settling into the water.  Vessel 2's operator had restricted vision due to the water in his eyes and the bow of Vessel 2 impacted the starboard side of Vessel 1, striking the operator in the right leg.  Vessel 2 traveled completely over Vessel 1, causing the operator to be ejected into the water.  The operator of Vessel 1 sustained severe leg injuries, including multiple fractures to this femor and a severed femoral artery and veins.  The operator of Vessel 2 retrieved the operator of Vessel 1 and placed him on his PWC and transported him to shore.  In doing so, he sustained a pulled muscle in his right shoulder.  Both operators were later transported to the hospital for treatment.  The injuries sustained by the operator of Vessel 1 resulted in amputation of his right leg.

Both operators were wearing Type III PFDs at the time of the incident and had engine safety lanyards attached.  Alcohol does not appear to be a factor, however blood was drawn from the operators.  Chemical test results are pending.


BARDID: LA-2010-0095
Date: 2010-06-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:38:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Palourde
NearestCityTown: Morgan City
County: St. Mary - 51
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person Departed Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday, June 20, 2010 operator, his wife and another subject were traveling in Lake Palourde in LA 2659 EN. At about 1430 the vessel stopped to idle so that subject could urinate. As she leaned over the rear starboard deck, she fell in the water. operator jumped in the water to save her but he never returned. Subject  who wanted to urinate was not wearing any pfd. Operator’s pfd was not buckled so when he jumped in the water, it quickly came off. wife of operator advised that the vessel was idling in neutral. On 6/21/10, operator was recovered from the water by LDWF Sgt. and St. Mary Deputy.


BARDID: LA-2010-0096
Date: 2010-08-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 07:30:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lac Des Allemands
NearestCityTown: Edgard
County: St. John - 48
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Navigation Rules Violation
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INATTENTION
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was behind vessel 2 with both traveling on plane. In order to avoid a patch or pocket of water lillies (which were numerous in the area at the time of the incident), vessel 2 turned to the starboard and throttled down to a stop. Vessel 1 attempted to avoid collision by turning starboard, and struck vessel 2 on its starboard stern. The impact removed a cleat and did fiberglass damage to vessel 2. Vessel 1 sustained a 6 inch by 2 inch hole and scratches to the bottom of its port bow. PFD was worn and the kill switch was used by operator of vessel 2, but not by operator or passenger of vessel 1. There was no indication of alcohol or drug use by either operator. There were no injuries reported at the scene.


BARDID: LA-2010-0097
Date: 2010-08-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Flat Lake
NearestCityTown: Kaplan
County: Vermillion - 57
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Machinery Failure
MachineryFailure: Electrical
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
RedactedNarrative:
Wiring harness in rear compartment started burning and subject could not extinguish it with the fire extinguisher.   The burning wires traveled to the batteries and all three batteries started on fire.  Subject only had one fire extinguisher and it was not enough left in it to extinguish the fire.  The fire caused extensive damage to the inside of the vessel.


BARDID: LA-2010-0098
Date: 2010-08-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:30:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Calcasieu River
NearestCityTown: Westlake
County: Calcasieu - 10
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unforeseen water hazard
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Submerged Object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/Swamping
RedactedNarrative:
Operator and one (1) passenger were cruising north in the Calcasieu River along the east bank, each wearing a Type III PFD when the vessel struck a submerged object.  The operator immediately stopped the vessel and turned off the motor.  The collision with the submerged object punctured a hole along the starboard side hull which caused the vessel to take on water.  The vessel eventually sank to the river bottom in 2' foot of water and was still visible from the surface as it was just beneath the waterline.  The subjects were then picked up by a good Samaritan that saw them in the water and they were taken safely to Ripley's boat launch in Westlake where they notified the Calcasieu Sheriff's Office.  The vessel was not equipped with an engine cutoff switch, PFD's were used properly and drugs or alcohol were not a factor.


BARDID: LA-2010-0099
Date: 2010-09-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Grand River
NearestCityTown: Plaquemine
County: Iberville
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Force of Wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On the above date and time, LA 2217 EF was approaching a fallen skier at an idle speed when a large unidentified bay boat passed by at a close distance and threw a wake that struck LA 2217 EF contributing to throwing multiple passengers overboard and the fractures of a 3 year old child's left leg.  Drugs and alcohol are not suspected in the contribution to the accident.  Vessel LA 2217 EF was adequately equipped with PFD's and all minor children aboard were properly fitted with type III PFD's.


BARDID: LA-2010-0100
Date: 2010-07-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: PIPELINE CANAL SOUTH OF BLUE P
NearestCityTown: LAFITTE
County: JEFFERSON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Restricted Vision
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INATTENTION
AccidentCause3: IMPROPER LOOKOUT
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Submerged Object
AccidentEvent2: GROUNDING
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
ACCORDING TO THE WITNESSES, WHILE TRAVELING SOUTH IN A PIPELINE CANAL SOUTH OF THE BLUE POINT CANAL, VESSEL LA 3217 EF STRUCK A SUBMERGED OBJECT CAUSING THE VESSEL TO TURN TO THE RIGHT. THE VESSEL MADE IMPACT WITH TREE ON THE STARBOARD SIDE AND AT THE REAR OF THE VESSEL.  THE VESSEL LANDED BOW FIRST APPROX. 40 FEET AWAY FROM THE POINT OF IMPACT. THE TWO MALE PASSENGERS ABORD THE VESSEL WERE NOT WEARING PFD'S AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT THOUGH THE YOUNG FEMALE ABOARD DID HAVE A PFD ON AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT.  THE OPERATOR WAS THROWN INTO THE WINDSHIELD OF THE VESSEL CAUSING A SEVERE LACERATION TO THIS HEAD.  THE OPERATOR WAS AIR LIFTED BY US COAST GUARD AND TRANSPORTED TO A LOCAL HOSPITAL.  THE PASSENGERS WERE TRANSPORTED TO THE LANDING AND THE VESSEL REMAINED AT THE LOCATION.  THE STEERING ROD WAS FOUND TO BE BROKEN ON THE OUTBOARD MOTOR OF THE VESSEL AT THE TIME OF INVESTIGATION.


BARDID: LA-2010-0101
Date: 2010-07-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:20:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Belle River
NearestCityTown: Stevensville
County: Assumption
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inexperience
AccidentCause2: EXCESSIVE SPEED
AccidentCause3: OPERATOR INATTENTION
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Operator crossed through a wake from an unidentified boat in Belle River.  While crossing the wake, he was thrown from his PWC in the process. Operator’s cousin, who did not see him fall overboard, saw him in the water in pain and went to tell his father. father pulled operator from the water and brought him to Stevensville Rd where an ambulance took him to Teche Medical.  Agents received the complaint through dispatch at 1845.  Agents met with operator at the hospital where he complained about pain in his left hip. No alcohol was involved and operator was wearing a PFD along with his kill switch.


BARDID: LA-2010-0102
Date: 2010-08-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:45:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Intercoastal Waterway
NearestCityTown: Belle River
County: St. Martin (Lower)
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentCause2: Alcohol
AccidentCause3: IMPROPER LOOKOUT
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Commercial Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
AccidentEvent3: FLOODING/SWAMPING
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was traveling south and vessel 2 was traveling north.  According to the operator of vessel 2 (74' tug boat pushing 5 barges), vessel 1 appeared that it was going to pass on his starboard, until just before that time it abruptly turned in the path of the lead barge . The operator of vessel 2 stated he then observed a large splash in that area and stopped his vessel and barges and called authorities. Agents arrived on the scene and could not locate vessel 1 or its operator.  At approximately 5:00pm,8/8/10, the body of the operator of vessel 1 was recovered near the incident scene. PFD's were not used by either party. Vessel 2 was equipped with all necessary safety equipment and navigation lights.  It is unknown  if Vessel 1 was equipped with PFD's or navigation lights.  The operator of vessel 2 showed no signs of intoxication and submitted a proper breath and urine sample at Berwick Police Department. His breath BAC results were .000 and results on his urine are pending tesing by LA State Police Crime Lab.  Two subjects who refused to give written statements advised agents that the operator of vessel 1 had been drinking beer with them at a camp prior to the incident. An ice chest was recovered floating near the incident scene which family members advised belonged to  the operator of vessel 1. Agents observed 13/12oz beer and 8/7oz beers in the ice chest.  A post mortem blood sample was  taken by the St. Martin Parish Coroner with results pending. The deceased had no signs of serious wounds or trauma.


BARDID: LA-2010-0105
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2010-08-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Gulf of Mexico
NearestCityTown: Port Fourchon
County: Lafourche
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentCause2: IMPROPER LOOKOUT
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: CAPSIZING
AccidentEvent3: SINKING
RedactedNarrative:
The subjects operator, and occupant left Belle Pass Heading Southwest toward So Timbalier 54 platform when they noticed a crew boat off in the distance. Between 9 and 10 am, a wave from the crew boat came over the rear of their vessel, LA4878FD. Operator’s engine then cut off.  At this time, the vessel began to roll over due to the amount of water inside.  Another vessel saw what had happended and rescued both Operator and occupant.  Operator’s vessel then sank to the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico and was not  recovered.  Operator did not get GPS coordinates of the accident. Both subjects were wearing CG approved type 111 PFS's.  Alcohol or drugs were not a factor.  The investigating agent attempted to get information on the rescue vesse, however, Operator did not provide the agent with numbers, names, color of vessel, or type of vessel.  The agent had no information to use in order to track down the rescue vessel.


BARDID: LA-2010-0106
Date: 2010-08-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chinquapin Canal
NearestCityTown: HEAD OF ISLAND
County: Livingston
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: EXCESSIVE SPEED
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Based on interviews it is likely that the following events occurred on 8/7/10 at approx 6:30-6:45 p.m. Operator reports that he was operating a personal watercraft. He was alone. He was reportedly wearing a proper flotation device and his safety lanyard was reportedly used properly. Operator was travelling at a notable rate of speed and conducted a maneuver that resulted in his face striking the handlebars of the pwc. It is believed that his left leg struck the handlebars also as he was catapulted over the handlebars and ejected from the pwc. He suffered a notable laceration through his lip that required four sutures to close. His left leg, just below the knee was badly bruised. A brace and crutches were later provided to him for his injury. Agents conducted field sobriety tests on Operator and Operator performed poorly. Operator was arrested for driving while intoxicated (vessel) and reckless operation of a watercraft. Operator was transported to st. Elizabeth's hospital in gonzales, la. At the hospital Operator consented to having a blood sample taken for analysis. The results of that blood test indicate that Operator's blood alcohol content was 0.14g%. Upon release from the hospital Operator was booked into the livingston parish jail for 3rd offense d.w.i. and reckless operation of a watercraft.


BARDID: LA-2010-0108
Date: 2010-08-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:45:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: West Pearl River
NearestCityTown: Pearl River
County: St. Tammany
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: NAVIGATION RULES VIOLATION
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR1 WAS OPERATING VESSEL 1, LA-7884-ET, TRAVELING NORTH ON THE WEST PEARL RIVER. OPERATOR1 WAS ON THE INCORRECT SIDE OF THE RIVER, WESTERN SHORELINE. OPERATOR1 HAD ONE PASSENGER IN HIS VESSEL. OPERATOR2 WAS OPERATING VESSEL 2, LA-5871-FU, TRAVELING SOUTH ON THE WEST PEARL RIVER. OPERATOR2 WAS ON THE CORRECT SIDE OF THE RIVER, WESTERN SHORELINE. OPERATOR2 HAD ONE PASSENGER ON HIS VESSEL. BOTH VESSELS WERE APPROACHING A HARD CURVE FROM OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS ON THE SAME SIDE OF THE RIVER. WHEN THE OPERATORS OF THE TWO VESSELS SAW ONE ANOTHER THEY BOTH TURNED TOWARD THE SHORELINE TO AVOID COLLISION. THEN BOTH TURNED TOWARD THE OPPOSITE SHORELINE. THE VESSELS THEN COLLIDED HEAD-ON. AFTER BOTH VESSELS AND OCCUPANTS TRAVELLED TO CRAWFORD'S LANDING, OPERATOR2 CALLED STPSO TO REPORT THE INCIDENT. OPERATOR1 AND HIS PASSENGER LEFT BEFORE AUTHORITIES ARRIVED. AGENT LOCATED OPERATOR1, ALONE, OPERATING THE VESSEL NEAR I-59 BOAT LAUNCH. OPERATOR1 WAS ARRESTED AFTER FIELD SOBRIETY TESTS WERE CONDUCTED. STPSO DEPUTIES OBTAINED STATEMENTS FROM THE PASSENGERS OF LA-5871-FU AND ADVISED AGENT THAT NO ALCOHOL OR DRUG USE IS SUSPECTED TO BE A FACTOR FOR THE OPERATOR OF VESSEL 2. THE PASSENGER OF VESSEL 1 WAS THEN LOCATED AT WHICH TIME HE GAVE A WRITTEN STATEMENT. ALL PFD REQUIREMENTS WERE MET AND ALCOHOL IS SUSPECTED TO BE A FACTOR IN THE INCIDENT.


BARDID: LA-2010-0110
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2010-06-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:35:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE PONTCHARTRAIN
NearestCityTown: METAIRIE
County: JEFFERSON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: EXCESSIVE SPEED
AccidentCause3: IMPROPER LOOKOUT
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Fixed Object
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 6-20-2010 at approximately 9:30 p.m. four subjects were on board a vessel, LA 66410 FS, in Jefferson Parish when they struck the Causeway Bridge while heading West bound.  The driver and two of the occupants were ejected, were wearing their PFD's survivied and one occupant that stayed in the vessel were rescued by the USCG and were transported to University Hospital for injuries.  The operator's body was recovered on 06-22-2010 by LDWF agents and transferred to the Jefferson Parish Coroners Office.  According to the autopsy report the driver was intoxicated with a blood alcohol content of .113 which was the leading factor of the incident.  This boating incident resulted in one fatality and three injuries.


BARDID: LA-2010-0112
Date: 2010-09-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE PONTCHARTRAIN @ BONNET CA
NearestCityTown: ST ROSE
County: St. Charles - 45
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Excessive Speed
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentCause3: HAZARDOUS WATERS
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Fixed Object
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
AccidentEvent3: FLOODING/SWAMPING
RedactedNarrative:
On 09/26/10 at approximately 6:30 p.m. the operator was manuervering vessel 1(LA 2940BL) in Lake Pontchartrain immediately north of the Bonnet Carre Spillway in St. Charles Parish.  The operator was maneuvering at planing speed as he approached the train tressel bridge on a south by southeast heading.  The operator alleges that he reduced speed to idle speed to cross under the bridge and after crossing under the bridge he began to increase speed when the bow portion of the vessel violently forced up vertically out of the water, at which time the operator was struck on the forehead and from that point on only remembers the vessel submerging completely stern first and the operator clung to a cooler and floated to shore.  vessel 1 is still completely submerged in more than 13 ft of water and has yet to be recovered.  the operator claims that this vessel did contain all required safety equipment including PFD's but he was not wearing one at the time of the incident.  the operators family did not notify the authorities until approximately 9 a.m. the following day.  Note:  Due to cold front moving through the area at the time fo the incident water depths were reduced considerably.  In the opinion of the investigator the main contributing factors of the incident were 1 -excessive speed, 2- hazardous waters, and 3- weather.


BARDID: LA-2010-0116
Date: 2010-09-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:30:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: TOLEDO BEND RESERVIOR
NearestCityTown: MANY
County: SABINE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Force of Wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Skier Mishap
RedactedNarrative:
Subject stated he was pulling a 16 year old juvenile male behind his vessell (LA-3533-FV) on wake board.  The juvenile hit a wake and fell over causing the board to strike him in the head making a 2-3 inch cut and temporarily knocking him out.


BARDID: LA-2010-0118
Date: 2010-09-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:40:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Intracoastal Waterway
NearestCityTown: Houma
County: Terrebonne - 55
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Excessive Speed
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
OPerator was traveling west in the Intracoastal Waterway in his 21' Bullet Bass boat, LA6190FR.  OPerator has a Mercury 300 HP XS and was traveling at over an estimated 80 miles per hour. He was about to reach the intersection between the Intracoastal and Minors Canal when his engine locked up.  OPerator then lost control and his vessel turned hard to the right. When the vessel spun, OPerator was thrown from his vessel into the water. Upon OPerator getting thrown, he hit the port side windshield which caused multiple injuries. Another vessel was also traveling in the waterway and heard the sound of what sounded like a vessel that had crashed.  He turned around and noticed that OPerator was in the water waving for help. Good samaritan then helped OPerator out of the water, called 911, and towed OPerator and his vessel back to the boat launch.  Upon reaching the boat launch, OPerator was taken out on a stretcher by Acadian Ambulance and taken to Terrebonne General where it was determined that he sustain four cracked ribs and a punctured lung. OPerator was wearing an approved type 3 PFD and his kill switch at the time of the accident.  Alcohol and drugs were not a factor.  The investigation is still ongoing at this time. Good Samaritan provided the agents with a volutary witness statement.


BARDID: LA-2010-0119
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2010-10-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:05:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Maurepas
NearestCityTown: MANCHAC
County: Livingston
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Fire/Explosion (Fuel)
AccidentEvent3: FLOODING/SWAMPING
RedactedNarrative:
On October 20th, 2010, operator who was also the owner and sole occupant of the vessel, a 37' sea ray, aft cabin, reported he was crusing from blind river toward pass manchac in lake maurepaus, when he heard a few "pops" and then a very loud "boom" from the engine compartment. He reports that he saw a small but noticeable amount of smoke emitting from one of the vent areas of the vessel and went to investigate. The starboard motor had reportedly quit running but the port engine was reportedly still running. When he raised the cover of the twin e.f.i. 454 c.i. engines, he was hit with a "flash fire" that reportedly singed his hair and resulted in 1st degree flash burns to his arms and neck. Operator reportedly dropped the anchor and attempted to fight the fire with a large handheld fire extinguisher. After emptying the extinguisher he grabbed his cell phone and two child size pfd's and abandoned the vessel as it was becoming engulfed in flames. The built in halon fire extinguishing system reportedly failed. The operator could not offer any reasonable explanation as to what may have caused the fire. The vessel had reportedly not had any recent work done to it and according to the owner/operator, the engine area was kept "spotless". Operator reported that he had just refuled the vessel but he does not believe any fuel spilled into the bilge area. He reports that he runs his ventilation fans continuously while operating the vessel and believes the ventilation fans were in proper working order. The vessel sank and was not found until approximately 4:05 p.m.. On 10/21/10. Further investigation is being conducted by the louisiana state fire marshall's office and is led by agent. The vessel is insured by sea safe insurance co, for an amount reported to be $175,000. They will also be investigating the incident. 

Alcohol is not believed to be a factor in this incident and no citations are expected to be written by ldwf.


BARDID: LA-2010-0120
Date: 2010-10-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:43:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: EMPIRE HARBOR
NearestCityTown: EMPIRE
County: Plaquemines - 38
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: EXCESSIVE SPEED
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Commercial Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person Struck by Propeller
RedactedNarrative:
operator1 was operating his vessel LA 2305 BT with passenger when he struck a tugboat (Miss. Virginia) belonging to Kostmayer Construction. The tugboat was connected to a barge which also belonged to Kostmayer Construction and was tied to a dock, the dock belonged to Quality Wireline. Passenger was thrown from the vessel, LA 2305 BT, sustaining serious bodily injury, Passenger, after being thrown from the vessel into the tugboat and ending up in the water must have been struck by Operator1's vessel and propeller, resulting in deep lacerations to the vessel into the tugboat and ending up in the water, must have been struck by Operator1's vessel and propeller, resulting in deep lacerations to parts of the body.  PFD's were onboard, but not worn. Alcohol was a factor, Operator1 submitted to an Intoxilizer 5000 which resulted in a BAC of .219 grams%. Blood and Urine were also taken and brought to LASP Crime Lab (results pending). Passenger was sent to University Hospital where he was treated, and placed in critical but stable condition Operator1 was taken to the hospital the next day treated and released.  the amount of damage to vessel1 shows that he must have been going at a high rate of speed when striking tugboat.


BARDID: LA-2010-0121
Date: 2010-10-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Bayou Teche
NearestCityTown: New Iberia
County: Iberia
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Other
AccidentCause2: IMPROPER LOOKOUT
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Skier Mishap
RedactedNarrative:
On October 9, 2010 at approximately 4:30 p.m. Vessel1 and Vessel2 were traveling in Bayou Teche.  Vessel1 was traveling west, pulling a wake boarder.  The vessel is steered by a steering wheel.  The operator of the vessel was Operator1.  The vessel was occupied with six subjects including a wake boarder.  Only the wake boarder was using a PFD.  

Vessel2 was traveilng east in the Bayou Teche.  The vessel is steered by a tiller steering.  The operator of this vessel was OPerator2.  There were no passengers.  Operator2 was not wearing a PFD.  He was wearing his kill switch lanyard.  Vessel2 was traveling at a low rate of speed near the starboard bank.  When the two vessels approached each other, both vessels stayed to starboard.  The wake boarder being pulled by Vessel1 did not see the approaching vessel.  The wake boarder jumped the port wake and began traveling towards Vessel2.  The wake boarder then struck Vessel2.  

The wake boarder sustained several injuries.  He was transported to Dauterive's Hospital.  Agent made contact with both operators. OPerator2 showed no sign of alcohol use.  Operator1 advised that he drank 2 beers before getting on the water.  AGent conducted the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus, Walk and Turn and One Leg Stand.  Operator1 showed little sign of intoxication.  Operator1 advised that he would voluntary submit to a chemical test and he was transported to Iberia Parish Sheriff's Office.  Agent Romero then read Operator1 his rights relating to Miranda.  He gave a proper breath sample on the Intoxilyzer 5000.  The test results indicated that his BAC was .025g%.  The wake boarder sustained a broken collar bone, a fractured skull and two broken vertebrates in his upper back.  Wakeboarder’s BAC was .065g% which was taken by Dauterive's Hospital.


BARDID: LA-2010-0122
Date: 2010-09-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Canals near PAC WMA
NearestCityTown: Galliano
County: Lafourche
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Improper Lookout
AccidentCause2: Restricted Vision
AccidentCause3: OPERATOR INATTENTION
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Fixed Object
RedactedNarrative:
Subject was making a port turn from one canal to another. The driver of the vessel stated that the passenger was obscuring his view upon making the port turn.  The driver stated that when he started to straighten out the vessel from the turn is when he struck the piling that was blocked from his view because of the positioning of the passenger who was sitting on an ice chest. The vessel sustained damage to the port bow corner. Alcohol was not a factor in the accident.  PFD's were not worn and theree were none in the vessel.


BARDID: LA-2010-0123
Date: 2010-10-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:55:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Apache Canal
NearestCityTown: Golden Meadow
County: Lafourche
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentCause2: SHARP TURN
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel was traveling in the Apache oil field canals near Catfish Lake. He was accompanied by his two grandsons. While traveling he noticed that one of his unused PFDs was about to blow out of the vessel. He let go of the steering wheel which was a single cable "Tele-Flex" steering system.  The motor turned hard to port. His 10 yr old grandson was thrown from the vessel. Victim  received a 7 inch cut to his right leg. Both minors were wearing their PFD at the time of the accident. Drugs and alcohol are not supected in this case.


BARDID: LA-2010-0126
Date: 2010-10-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Hanson Canal
NearestCityTown: Houma
County: Terrebonne
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Excessive Speed
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INEXPERIENCE
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel was travelling through Hanson Canal. AS he approached a curve in the canal his vessel began skidding into the curve. The vessel struck the bank which was a cypress tree line. The operator was ejected from the vessel. He sustained injuries to his ribs as well as his right hand. Alcohol is not suspected in this accident.


BARDID: LA-2010-0127
Date: 2010-09-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Belle River
NearestCityTown: Pierre Part
County: Assumption
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: IMPROPER LOOKOUT
AccidentCause3: OPERATOR INATTENTION
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 9/4/10 at approximately 1820 hrs. Senior Agent and Sgt. were notified of a boat incident which had occurred on Belle River, Assumption Parish.  Vessle 1, LA4094FV, was traveling south bound in Belle River. Vessel 2, a camp boat being pushed by another vessel, was traveling north bound in Belle River. Vessel 1 then collided head on with vessel 2.  Vessel 1 then came to rest on the front porch of Vessel 2.
According to witnesses on Vessel 2, Vessel 1 headed straight for them and made no attempt to avoid a collision. According to witnesses on Vessel 1, they were trying to avoid traffic and did not see the camp boat. The passenger and the operator of Vessl 1 also stated that they were talking to each other at the time of the incident. The passesger of Vessel 1 added that the sun was in their eyes also. No PFD's were worn in this incident. Alcohol use is suspected in the incident. Operator1 was transported by Acadian ambulance to Teche Regional in Morgan Ctiy.  The other parties were transported by POV to Teche Regional also. Charges are pending on blood test results submitted to the LSP Crime Lab.


BARDID: LA-2010-0128
Date: 2010-10-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:50:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Delcambre Canal
NearestCityTown: Delcambre
County: Iberia
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Improper Lookout
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INATTENTION
AccidentCause3: NAVIGATION RULES VIOLATION
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On October 30, 2010 at approximately 3:50 p.m. operators 1 and 2 were operating their boats on the Delcambre Canal.  The two men were traveling North on the canal, following one another.  Operator2 decided to stop and talk to Operator1.  As Operator2 stopped, Operator1 was entering a waypoint into his GPS.  Operator1 was not keeping a proper lookout.  Operator1 did not realize Operator2 was stopping.  As a result Operator1 collided with Operator2 hitting Operator2's vessel in the stern.  Operator1's vessel subsequently climbed on top of Operator2's vessel on the starboard, stern causing significant damage to Operator2's vessel.  I met with both men at Patout Landing.  Both men stated they did not have injuries, just stiff backs.  They did not need EMS treatment.  After documenting the damage to the vessels involved in the collission I found that Operator1 was not operating his vessel in accordance with the navigational rules of the road in which the state requires all boat operators to abide by.  Operator1 did violate two rules: Rule 20 and Rule 16.  Rule 20 states the operator of a vessel must maintain a proper lookout as he operates his vessel.  Rule 16 states the operator of a vessel shall operate his vessel at reasonable speeds for the given conditions and situations and must be under the complete control of the operator at all times.  At that time I explained to Operator1 that he was in violation of these two rules and that I was issuing him a citation for R.S. 34:851.5. Reckless operation of a watercraft.


BARDID: LA-2010-0129
Date: 2010-11-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:25:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Plumb Bayou/Victor Bayou
NearestCityTown: Houma
County: Terrebonne
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Navigation Rules Violation
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with Fixed Object
RedactedNarrative:
On November 22, 2010, at approximately 9:25 pm, a tugboat (Emily P. Settoon, VIN603427, pushing a barge, SM1576, both owned by Settoon Towing Company, was heading east, along with a strong current in Plumb Bayou.  Operator1 attempted to turn left into Victor Bayou when he struck a docked vessel, (LA9451FE) with the starboard rear corner of the barge (SM1576). The barge hit the starboard side of the vessel, LA9451FE, causing the entire port side of the vessel to bend and warp against the dock. The vessel and dock (pilings) were smashed, causing the boat to flip onto its side, submerging the motor and dumping the entire contents of the vessel into Victor Bayou.  The dock and camp sustained severe damage as well. the starboard rear corner of barge SM1576 sustained no discernable damage nor fresh marks of any kind.


BARDID: LA-2010-0130
Date: 2010-11-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: GRAND LAKE
NearestCityTown: DELACROIX
County: PLAQUEMINES
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Agents were notified of a boating incident which took place in the Grand lake area of Plaquemines Parish. Sr. Agent responded and was the first on scene while I, Sgt. and Sr. Agent responded. The incident involved one vessel which was being operated in the shallow marsh around Grand Lake.  The passenger of the vessel stated they were scouting for ducks when they hit a mud flat.  The type of vesel involved was a shallow draft Gatorotail vessel used exclusively for shallow water operation.  When the vessel hit the mud flat the passenger was ejected injuring his leg and the operator fell into the boat injuring his ribs.  The passenger was treated for minor cuts by first aid.  The operator was transported to Oschsner Baptist Hospital in new Orleans where he received treatment and was released the same day.  Operator sustained bruised ribs, and stated he had no breaks according to doctors.


BARDID: LA-2010-0131
Date: 2010-11-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: MRGO
NearestCityTown: HOPEDALE
County: ST BERNARD
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Improper Anchoring
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
RedactedNarrative:
On Friday, November 26, 2010, at approximately 3:00 p.m., Operator and two passengers went fishing in his 17' Express flat boat.  Operator drove his vessel to the south east corner of the rock dam in the MRGO.  The three subjects then tied the vessel to the rocks with a rope from the stern of the vessel.  All three subjects crossed to the other side of the dam to fish.  During the fishing trip, a passing cold front changed the wind to the north east.  The wind was very strong and kicked up the seas.  The three subjects finished fishing and returned to the vessel.  When they got to the vessel, they found it to be taking on water.  The owner , Operator, tried to bilge the vessel but the water was coming in so fast that bilge could not keep up.  The vessel sank next to the dam in approximately 3 feet of water.  The three fishermen were picked up by a passing boater and brought to the Brenton Sound Marina. Alcohol and drugs were not a factor in this incident.  The boat was equipped with the proper PFD's during the incident and the owners 10 year old son was using his.  On Saturday November 27, 2010, Operator and several of his friends returned to the rock dam and salvaged the vessel.


BARDID: LA-2010-0132
Date: 2010-11-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Vermillion River
NearestCityTown: Abbeville
County: Vermillion - 57
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Excessive Speed
AccidentCause2: NAVIGATION RULES VIOLATION
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Struck by Propeller
AccidentEvent3: FLOODING/SWAMPING
RedactedNarrative:
On November 25, 2010, Operator was traveling west across the Vermillion River from a private slip towards the Port of Vermillion in his 12' Monarch flat bottom aluminum boat powered by a 20 hp Johnson outboard motor with tiller steer.  Operator advised when he got on plane the transom board cracked.  The motor tilted back causing the cavitation plate on the lower unit to hit the bottom of the transom making a hole through the aluminum.  Operator advised that his vessel began to shift back and forth from starboard to port (chime walking).  Operator advised that he accelerated in an attempt to gain control of his vessel causing him to fall overboard.  The vessel then circled to  port in a counter clockwise direction.  The bottom side of the vessel struck Operator on his left side causing him injury.  The vessel then started sinking and eventually came to rest floating bow up in the middle of the Port Of Vermillion slip.   Operator was wearing a type III PFD.  Due to the age of the motor it was not equipped with a kill switch.  Operator with assistance from his dog made it back to the bank and 911 was called.  There was no evidence of alcohol or drugs used by Operator.


BARDID: LA-2010-0133
Date: 2010-12-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 05:45:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Intracoastal Waterway
NearestCityTown: Plaquemine
County: Iberville
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Missing or Inadequate Navigation Aids
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentCause3: Restricted Vision
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Fixed Object
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On the above date and time, operator collided with a steel 10 x 6 pontoon.  Upon collision, passenger was ejected and knocked unconscious as he entered the water.  Operator then pulled victim back aboard the vessel (LA 1335FU) and began looking for help.  The 18 foot Stratos (LA 1335FU) was equipped with remote steering, no PFD's were being worn and the operator was wearing an engine killswitch.  Neither alcohol nor drugs are suspected to play a factor in the involvement of the accident.  Weather and water conditions are as follows:  Little to no wind, calm water light rain/sleet, water temperature was approximately 45 degrees.  Blood test is currently pending.


BARDID: LA-2010-0135
Date: 2010-10-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: BIG CREEK
NearestCityTown: DEVILLE
County: RAPIDES
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
victim's BODY WAS FOUND IN WATER NEAR HIS BOAT BY ANOTHER FISHERMAN.  victim WAS NOT WEARING A PFD, BUT HAD ONE IN THE BOAT.  NO EVIDENCE OF ALCOHOL OR DRUG USE WAS FOUND. THERE WAS ALSO NO EVIDENCE OF ANY TYPE OF COLLISION.  IT APPEARS victim fell ovERBOARD.


BARDID: LA-2010-0136
Date: 2010-11-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: ORANGE BAYOU/ STRAIGHT CANAL N
NearestCityTown: DELACROIX
County: Plaquemines - 38
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Excessive Speed
AccidentCause2: HAZARDOUS WATERS
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Fixed Object
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
AccidentEvent3: GROUNDING
RedactedNarrative:
Operator of Vessel 1 was attempting to make a turn into a canal with a row of pilings at the opening.  The operator did not turn in the correct spot where the pilings had the widest gap.  The operator was cruising at approximately 30 mph and tried to turn in between two pilings just about as wide as Vessel 1.  The operator struck both of the pilings and was ejected from the vessel.  Vessel 1 then ran aground.  The passenger was not ejected.  No kill switch was used.  PFD was worn by passenger, but not worn by operator.  No injuries.


BARDID: LA-2010-0138
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2010-12-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Calumet Cut
NearestCityTown: Calumet
County: St. Mary
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Machinery Failure
AccidentCause2: Force of wave/wake
AccidentCause3: OPERATOR INEXPERIENCE
MachineryFailure: Throttle
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: SINKING
RedactedNarrative:
On December 30, 2010 LDWF enforcement Agents were notified of a boating incident that had occurred in the Calumet Cut near Calumet, just north of the intracoastal waterway. Agents arrived to the Calumet boat launch where the operator and his passenger were waiting. Agents arrived to the Calumet boat launch where the Operator and his passenger Passenger were waiting. Agents spoke with both subjects and learned that the vessel Operator was operating, LA1485FE  sank in the Calument Cut.  Operator advised that they were travelling north returning from a duck hunt on Atchafalaya Dellta WMA. He advised that his throttle cable broke so they stopped to make some repairs that would allow them to return to the launch. After the repair, they began to get away from the bank when the motor gave trouble again. He started idling back towards the bank by turning to starboard. As he did so another vessel (unknown) passed close to them. The wake of the passing vessel crested over their stern which caused their vessel to sink quickly. Operator and Passenger swam safely to shore where they were picked up by another person who was passing in another vessel. Agents didn't detect any signs of alcohol or drugs on Operator. At the time the vessel sank no PFD's were worn. Operator advised that they had taken them off to work on the motor. As of 1/09/11 the vessel has not been recovered.


BARDID: LA-2010-0139
Date: 2010-10-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:12:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Private Pond behind Madden Con
NearestCityTown: Minden
County: Webster - 60
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: People on Gunwale, Bow, or Transom
AccidentCause2: Alcohol
AccidentCause3: OVERLOADING
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Three people were fishing in a 14' aluminum boat on a private pond.  The boat did not have any type motor attached.  Only paddles were used for manuvering.  There were no PFD's used or found near the incident location.  The boat had been anchored by a heavy weight.  As the operator stood up in the boat to pull up the anchor, he lost his balance and caused a weight transfer to one side of the boat.  The boat capsized, and all three occupants went into the water.  one occupant assisted another to the bank and operator tried swimming to the other bank, but went under before he reached it. the two adults had been drinking alcoholic beverages.


BARDID: LA-2010-0140
Date: 2010-11-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Bayou Desiard
NearestCityTown: Monroe
County: Ouachita
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Other
OtherAccidentEvent: limb tangled in activity equip
RedactedNarrative:
Subject, (age 15) was a passenger in a boat being operated by operator(age 15). operator was pulling two people on an innertube on Bayou Desiard. While the boat was underway, victim located in the back of the boat, picked up the ski rope and it entangled his thumb.  When the rope tightened, it severed his thumb.  He was transported back to the operator residences and then to North Monroe Hospital for medical attention. He was later flown by private jet to a hospital in Dallas, Texas to have surgery and the thumb reattached.


BARDID: LA-2010-0141
Date: 2010-12-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:20:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Red River
NearestCityTown: Bossier City
County: Bossier - 8
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Restricted Vision
AccidentCause2: IMPROPER LOOKOUT
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Submerged Object
RedactedNarrative:
On December 18, 2010, operator was operating his 28 ft. Chaparral cabin cruiser, "Time Out of Mind", on the Red River in Bossier Parish.  operator was traveling south on the Red River when he struck a submerged object approximately a half mile sourth of the Jimmie Davis Bridge (LA 511).  The collision with the object caused one of the outdrives to be knocked completely off and the second outdrive was broken and just attached to the vessel by a couple of hoses and clamps.  The vessel also started to take on water.  operator and his passenger were not wearing PFDs at the time of the incident, but both of them put on Class 1 PFDs after striking the object.


BARDID: LA-2010-0142
Date: 2010-12-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: OAK RIVER
NearestCityTown: PHOENIX
County: PLAQUEMINES
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Sharp Turn
AccidentCause2: Restricted Vision
AccidentEvent1: Other
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
OtherAccidentEvent: collision with seaplane
RedactedNarrative:
On December 29,2010 at approximately 3:30 p.m.,  Operator and his passenger were traveling up Oak River in Plaquemines Parish in a 18 foot Hankos aluminum center console boat powered by a 115 Mercury.  As they approached Engineer's canal on step in the middle of Oak River, a seaplane came out of Engineers canal on their left, traveling on its pontoons.  Operator turned the steering wheel to the right in an attempt to put his vessel on the bank and avoid a collision.  The seaplane's left pontoon impacted the vessel on the port side aft of the center console.  Operator and occupant took cover on the deck of the vessel as the impact occurred.  Operator hit the starboard side gunnel and occupant hit the center console on impact.  Both suffered minor bumps and bruises, which did not need medical attention.  The impact split the port gunnel 39" and bent the aluminum.  black rubber transfer marks are visible at the site of impact.  The steering on the vessel became inoperable after the impact.  Operator had the kill switch lanyard attached to his person.  The lanyard did not disconnect upon impact however the motor killed upon impact.  Neither were wearing PFD's.  No alcohol was on board at the time of the incident.  The water was low at the time of the incident.  At the intersection of Oak River and Engineers there is a high mud bank covered in tall bushes that restrict visibility.


BARDID: LA-2010-0143
Date: 2010-11-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:50:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Calcasieu Ship Channel
NearestCityTown: Hackberry
County: Cameron - 12
WaterConditions: Very Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Force of Wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
RedactedNarrative:
Subject was opearting his vessel north bound  when an unknown ship traveling southbound causing a large wake, approximately 12' caused the vessel, LA 6257 FW (a 23' center vee bottom console boat operated by a steering wheel controlling a 250 hp mercury outboard motor), to come out of the water when the crest of the wave passed, and fell down into the trough of the wave.  Agents were not notified until approximately 11 AM on 11/30/2010 of the incident.  The vessel was equipped with an adequate amount of personal flotation devices, including a type 4, for the persons onboard.  The operator was not wearing the safety cutoff lanyard.  Agents found out the next day about the incident, so no tests were taken for alcohol or drugs.  Contributing factors include force of wake/wave.  The type of incident was included in the "other" section of this report, force of wake/wave.


BARDID: LA-2011-0002
Date: 2011-01-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Bayou Tartellon
NearestCityTown: Port Fourchon
County: Lafourche
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous Waters
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INEXPERIENCE
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel one was travelling in Bayou Tartellon at approximately 3:00 pm.  At the time of the incident, it should be noted that the area was in a period of extremely low tides due to a passing front.  The vessel struck a mud/sand bar which caused the vessel to come to an immediate stop.  The sudden stop caused the passenger of the vessel to fall forward striking the front deck of the vessel. occupant sustained severe facial injuries as a result. occupant was returned to dock where he was transported via ambulance to Our Lady of the Sea Hospital for treatment.  The vessel was found to be equipped with proper PFDs, which were stowed in the front deck, but not worn by the occupants. Alcohol was not found to be a factor in this incident.


BARDID: LA-2011-0003
Date: 2011-01-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 07:30:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Little Bayou Pigeon
NearestCityTown: Plaquemine
County: Iberia
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Machinery Failure
MachineryFailure: Steering
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Submerged Object
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 1/22/11 at 7:30 a.m. operator along with his son were traveling west in Little Bayou Pigeon approaching the Southern Natural Gas Pipeline Canal.  operator passed the pipeline canal to see if there was enough water in it to go in.  He made  U-turn, got the boat back on plane, and made a right turn into the pipeline canal.  operator stated that the steering got hard when making the turn.  operator was unable to straighten the vessel, causing the vessel to go into the right bank, striking a stump with the bow of the vessel.  son was ejected from the vessel onto the bank.  He received minor injuries to his left hand.  operator was uninjured.  Both were wearing Type 3 PFD's.  No alcohol was involved.


BARDID: LA-2011-0004
Date: 2011-01-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: G.A. Cut - Beehive Chute
NearestCityTown: Charenton
County: Iberia
WaterConditions: UNKNOWN
StrongCurrent: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Force of Wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
RedactedNarrative:
On January 15, 2011 at approximately 1:00 pm vessel LA5752FW was tied to the bank of the G.A. Cut (Beehive Chute).  The vessel was occupied with two subjects.  operator and occupant were working on the vessel.  operator was at the stern of the vessel working on the vessel's bilge pump.  occupant was towards the bow working on the vessels electrical system. A Ranger Bass boat passed near LA 5752 FW swamping the vessel.  The Ranger's wake went over the transom of the airboat causing the vessel to sink. two people had to swim to safety.  The red and silver ranger did not stop.  The owner is unknown.  Vessel LA 5752 FW was pulled out of the water on January 30, 2011.  Alcohol was not used.  PFD's were not used.


BARDID: LA-2011-0005
Date: 2011-01-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 07:37:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Belle River (21" Pipeline Cana
NearestCityTown: Pierre Part
County: Assumption
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Submerged Object
AccidentEvent2: Person Struck by Propeller
RedactedNarrative:
On 1/16/11 Sgt. was notified by Sgt. of a boat incident which had occurred in Belle River, Assumption Parish. Sgt. advised me that the subjects involved were being transported to the Spunky Monkey boat landing. Upon my arrival the passenger had already been transported by Acadian Ambulance to Teche Regional in Morgan City. The operator was still at the landing. After speaking to Operator and a witness who was following him, it was learned that operator hit a submerged object while traveling on plane in a pipeline  canal known as The 21"Canal. The impact caused the mounting bolts for the motor to break causing the motor to be thrown into the vessel and then back into the water. When the motor entered the vessel it smashed Operator's left hand and the propeller cut occupant’s right heel. Both subjects were treated at Teche Regional in Morgan City and released. Operator was wearing his kill switch, but was not wearing a PFD. occupant was wearing his PFD. There is no  sign of alcohol or drugs involved in this incident. The incident was unavoidable due to the fact that the object Operator hit was completely submerged. However, because Operator's vessel is under 16 ft. and driven by a tiller handle outboard the law requires all subjects aboard the vessel to be wearing PFDs. Also because Operator’s birth date, he is also required to have completed a boating safety education course, which he did not. He was cited accordingly and released.


BARDID: LA-2011-0007
Date: 2011-02-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Bayou Desiard
NearestCityTown: Sterlington
County: Ouachita
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Improper Loading
AccidentCause2: Alcohol
AccidentCause3: OVERLOADING
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 02/26/2011 at approximately 5:50pm, Senior Agents were on patrol in Ouachita Parish and received a call from Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office regarding a possible drowning in progress on Bayou Desiard.  We arrived on the scene at approximately 6:03pm around the 1000 block of Highway 136, Sterlington, La.  OPSO, Sterlington P.D., and AMR were already on the scene with the recovered body.  Paramedics on scene stated that victim had been deceased for approximately 35 minutes.  I made contact with the survivor of the incident, and identified myself as a LDWF Enforcement Agent.  Survivor was very upset and unable to answer any questions while at the scene.  I spoke with the victim’s father on the scene and he stated that just before the two brothers started their fishing trip, he advised them not to get in that small boat together.  Senior Agent and I retrieved the overturned vessel at approximately 6:25pm. We observed a small styrofoam ice chest floating next to the overturned vessel and no other items.  We did not observe any personal floatation devices around the scene of the incident.  Photographs of the scene and vessel involved were taken and will be included with the report.

On 02/27/2011 at approximately 1:30pm, Senior Agent and I made contact with the survivor of the incident. Both the victim and survivor reside with their parents at this address which is located on Bayou Desiard approximately ¼ mile from the scene of the incident.  According to his voluntary witness statement, Survivor was at the bow of the boat and his brother was at the stern.  He stated they had no PFD’s in the vessel and each had consumed five beers.  Three possible contributing factors:  passenger behavior, alcohol use, and overloading.  

The vessel measured less than 11 feet in length and likely had no more than a few inches of freeboard.  Survivor stated that he was hanging a yo-yo on a tree when his brother (victim) lost his balance and caused them to overturn.  He stated that Victim was having difficulty keeping his head above water.  He tried helping Victim by pushing the overturned vessel to him and telling him to hang on, but the small boat kept sinking and causing Victim to go under.  Survivor stated that he retrieved their small styrofoam ice chest from nearby and tried getting it under Victim.  Survivor then began swimming to shore go get help.   The distance was approximately 75 feet from the overturned vessel to the shoreline.  Survivor said when he made it to the shore, he turned to look at his brother and he was still floating but not moving. He then ran up the hill to Highway 136 and flagged down a passerby.  Good samaritan stated that Survivor flagged him down.  Good samaritan said he found a small community boat near the scene and was able to make it to Victim’s location by treading the water with his hands.  He stated that Victim was face down in the water and not moving.  He grabbed Victim and was able to get him to shallow water.  OPSO deputies arrived on the scene and retrieved the body out of water.  The Coroner’s office took possession of Victim body at approximately 6:30pm on 02/26/2011.  A preliminary to be autopsy showed victim likely died of drowning.


BARDID: LA-2011-0008
Date: 2011-02-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:30:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: BIG CREEK
NearestCityTown: DEVILLE
County: AVOYELLES
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Excessive Speed
AccidentCause2: NAVIGATION RULES VIOLATION
AccidentCause3: SHARP TURN
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On February 12, 2011 at approximately 10:40 am, agents responded to a boating accident where two boats collided in Big Creek.  According to the operators of both vessels, the two boats were traveling on Big Creek near Saline Lake.  The two boats exited a bend in the creek where they encountered a head-on situation.  The two vessels were traveling at an excessive rate of speed where neither boat could take the correct course of action to avoid the collision.  The two vessels collided port side to port side.  After the collision, vessel two proceeded onto the bank and struck a fallen tree.  The operator and passenger of vessel one were both ejected.  They were both wearing a PFD.  No injuries were reported.


BARDID: LA-2011-0010
Date: 2011-02-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chicot Lake
NearestCityTown: Ville Platte
County: Evangeline - 20
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentCause2: People on Gunwale, Bow, or Transom
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
It appeared that after further investigation, Victim was fishing trot lines, when for some unknown reason he fell overboard.  It appeared that the boat continued to drift off to the North/Northwest until it came to rest on the North bank adjacent to where Victim was located.  The wind was out of the Southeast on this day.  The trolling motor was down in the water and the main engine switch was on the off position.  The throttle was in the neutral position.  We found that the trolling motor switch was off when it was checked, however, it did appear that he was using the trolling motor while setting out his trot lines.  The boat was approximately 229 yards away from Victim’s body.  Victim’s body was found to be approximately 60 yards from the trot line that he placed out.  It appeared that victim died from Hypothermia and heart failure (See attached Coroner’s report and death certificate).


BARDID: LA-2011-0012
Date: 2011-02-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:45:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: TANGIPAHOA
NearestCityTown: BEDICO
County: TANGIPAHOA
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Restricted Vision
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INATTENTION
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Submerged Object
AccidentEvent2: Collision with Fixed Object
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
A VESSEL WAS COMING UP STREAM ON TANGIPAHOA RIVER WITH AN OPERATOR AND ONE PASSENGER. VESSEL HIT SOMETHING AND THE VESSEL VEERED TOWARD THE BANK HEAD ON WITH A CYPRESS TREE. THE VESSEL STRUCK THE CYPRESS TREE CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE VESSEL. BOTH THE OPERATOR AND THE PASSENGER RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTENTION AT THE HOSPITAL. THE OPERATOR HAD FRACTURED RIBS AND THE PASSENGER HAD BRUSING ALL OVER. BOTH WERE RELEASED FROM THE HOSPITAL. ONLY ONE VESSEL INVOLVED IN THE INCIDENT.


BARDID: LA-2011-0013
Date: 2011-02-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 07:30:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: GULF OF MEXICO
NearestCityTown: VENICE
County: PLAQUEMINES
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Hull Failure
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INATTENTION
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: CAPSIZING
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 02/12/11 at approximately 07:30 a.m. registered vessel AL 1508 LL, a 25 foot Grady White, powered by twin 150 hp Yamaha outboards with remote steering was underway in the Gulf of Mexico occupied by five persons.  According to statement given by passenger and lone survivor, the vessel was traveling at a speed of about 10 mph due to choppy sea conditions (2-3 feet), there were no indications of trouble until one of the vessels two outboards killed. Survivor stated that the operator of the vessel turned off the second engine and was trying to restart the engine that had killed, when it was noticed a large amount of water was entering the inside cockpit area from the rear of the vessel.  Survivor stated that within a short period of time, estimated to be approximately two minutes, the vessel flooded, then overturned sending everyone into the water.  During this time survivor advised they were able to retrieve four life jackets that were contained in the overhead T-Top and send out an emergency call on the VHF radio, but was not sure if it had been received.  None of the subjects were able to don the life jackets before going into the water.  Survivor stated that no one was able to properly get the life jackets on while in the water, but held on to them for support.  Survivor managed to get atop the overturned hull of the vessel and remove himself from the water.  The other four subjects attempted to climb atop the overturned vessel, but were unsuccessful.  Over a period of time all four subjects that remained in the water lost consciousness and succumbed.  Survivor remained atop the overturned vessel until spotted by the offshore supply vessel " SEA ANGEL", at approximately 1:15 p.m., the same day, at which time he was rescued. Agents could not definitively say how the water got into the boat.


BARDID: LA-2011-0016
Date: 2011-02-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:15:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Bistineau
NearestCityTown: SIBLEY
County: Webster - 60
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Sharp Turn
AccidentCause2: Force of wave/wake
AccidentCause3: Weather
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On February 27, 2011, operator and six passengers left the area of Clark's Bayou on Lake Bistineau and headed north in his airboat.  When they reached the area near Caples Camp of the lake operator decided to turn around and head back south.  Making a left turn in the channel, the boat turned over, port over starboard side.  Everyone was thrown out except one person who was pinned under a seat in the boat.  All passengers were wearing PFD's at the time the boat capsized. operator  was removed from under the boat and given CPR by his father.  Lt. drove father to LSU Hospital where victim was airlifted.  Lt. did not detect any alcohol or drug use by father.  Factors contributing to the accident were strong south winds, waves rolling back off the bank in the narrow channel, and operator's inattention to his manuvers.


BARDID: LA-2011-0019
Date: 2011-02-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 07:30:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: MISSISSIPPI RIVER
NearestCityTown: VENICE
County: PLAQUEMINES
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Poor
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: NAVIGATION RULES VIOLATION
AccidentCause3: OPERATOR INEXPERIENCE
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Fixed Object
AccidentEvent2: GROUNDING
RedactedNarrative:
Subject left cypress cove marina around 7 a.m. and proceeded to leave out of the jump in venice and enter into the mississippi river in his vessel (mi 1387 bp). Due to the fog being thick, this caused the subject to lose his bearing and believe that he was running his vessel down river to fish offshore.  In reality, he was running his vessel up river.  After heading up river for several miles, the subject ran over a cable in the river that was anchoring a barge.  The subject turned his vessel towards the shore to avoid a collision with the barge.  The vessel ran aground on the rocks but did not cause any injuries to the captain or the three passengers.     
Upon completion of the investigation, it was determined that the operator could have prevented the incident in several ways.  He could have shown better judgement and delayed or cancelled the trip until the fog ceased. He was not familiar with the equipment on board his vessel. The compass and plotter should have been followed and the radar should have been adjusted coorectly to prevent a  big "blob" on the screen. The  operator should have slowed down and idled around the obstruction instead of through the obstruction. The operator did not abide by the rules of the road in boating. He violated number 16 which states that all vessels shall be operated at reasonable speeds for giving conditions and situations and must be under the complete control of the operator at all times. Therefore, a citation for careless operation will be issued. Charges are still pending.


BARDID: LA-2011-0021
Date: 2011-03-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:30:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Intracoastal Water
NearestCityTown: Houma
County: Terrebonne
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Improper Lookout
AccidentCause2: EXCESSIVE SPEED
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
RedactedNarrative:
According to the two operators, the two vessels, LA6599EX and LA8719BU were jug lining along the northern bank of the Intracoastal Waterway around 11:30pm to midnight on the night of the 14th or early morning the 15th. The operators were along side of each other and observed a tug boat travelling west towards them. The operators claim to have been displaying their navigation lights and assumed that the tug could see them along the bank. At some point it became apparent to the two operators that the tug was not going to slow down to limit the size of its wake. The two vessels separated and put their bows into the wake. The two operators claimed to have cleared the first wave of the tug's wake, but were swamped by the second and subsequent waves. The operators then claimed to have made attempts to signal the tug, but claim that the tug proceeded on its way without stopping. the operator of LA6599 EX and his passenger, claimed to have received injuries in the form of rib, neck and shoulder injuries as a result and received medical attention the following morning. The tug has as of yet, 3/21/2011, not been identified.  The operators claim to have observed "Cenac Towing" insignia on the vessel, but did not see documentation numbers or any other identifying names. Upon contacting Cenac Towing, this investigator was advised that all of their fleet had been sold to "Enterprise Marine" of Houma.


BARDID: LA-2011-0022
Date: 2011-03-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Vermilion River
NearestCityTown: Lafayette
County: Lafayette
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INATTENTION
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Submerged Object
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person Struck by Propeller
RedactedNarrative:
On the 27th of March 2011, operator and occupant were traveling north in the Vermilion River in Lafayette Parish in a 1990 15 foot Duracraft tiller operated vessel.  Operator advised that approximately 7:00 p.m. his vessel struck an unknown object causing his vessel to suddenly list to the port side causing Occupant to be ejected from the vessel.  Operator stated that the propeller on his vessel struck Occupant after he was tossed into the water.  Operator advised that he assisted Occupant back into the vessel and called for help.  Operator appeared to be operating his vessel while under the influence of an alcoholic beverage and performed poorly on Standardized Field Sobriety Tests.  Operator was arrested for LRS 14:98 Operate a Vessel while intoxicated and refused chemical tests for intoxication.  All necessary safety equipment was located in the vessel.  Investigation revealed that Operator stuck two steel pipes were located approximately 50 feet south of the location the vessel was recovered after the accident.  The pipes were located approximately mid way between the center of the channel and the east bank of the Vermilion River.  Operator was traveling north in the river when he struck a 3 inch rusty, steel pipe and a 1 1/4 inch steel pipe.  The pipes were approximately 36 inches apart.  The 3 inch pipe, wrapped with orange flagging, stuck up approximately three feet out of the water and the 1 1/4 inch pipe stuck out of the water approximately 12 inches.  Operator's vessel caused a scratch in the rusty 3 inch pipe approximately twenty-four inches in length.  There was an obvious abrasion to the lip of the 1 1/4 inch pipe (see attached photographs) .  As Operator's vessel traveled over the 1 1/4 inch pipe, it caused a gouge on the starboard side of the hull of the vessel before punching a hole through the floor of the vessel near the transom.  The steel pipes were located a N 30 09.476' W 092 03.838'.  Investigation was unable to determine if PFD's were worn or engine cutoff switch attached at the time of the accident.


BARDID: LA-2011-0023
Date: 2011-02-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:05:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: UNKNOWN PASS
NearestCityTown: NEW ORLEANS
County: ORLEANS
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Excessive Speed
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INATTENTION
AccidentCause3: IMPROPER LOOKOUT
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
AccidentEvent3: GROUNDING
RedactedNarrative:
Operator1 was traveling in a westerly direction, heading out of Lk. Borne into Unknown Pass, in his vessel a 20 ft. Hydrasport (LA 2166 FS).  Operator2 was heading in an Easterly direction heading into Lk. Borgne, in his 18 ft. Boston Whaler (MT 6078 AZ). Both vessels were operating at a planing speed and met in a head on situation in a blind bend in the pass.  The preliminary investigations shows that Operator 1made a hard turn to port causing a collision with vessel2 which caused both operator2 to be ejected and his vessel to drift a short distance from the collision site.  Both operators received injuries, Operator1’s being fatal.  Operator2 was wearing an inflatable PFD, but it did not inflate.  Operator1 had a PFD on board but was not wearing it at at the time of the accident.  Neither captain was wearing his kill switch at the time of the accident.  Alcohol was not a factor. Note: Unable to determine what specific objects in Vessels 1 or 2 caused the trauma.


BARDID: LA-2011-0024
Date: 2011-03-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:30:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: TCHEFUNCTE RIVER
NearestCityTown: COVINGTON
County: ST. TAMMANY
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INEXPERIENCE
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
ON MARCH 18, 2011, AT APPROX 12:30 HRS, A 20' SUPRA SKI BOAT LA1505FW (EQUIPPED WITH REMOTE STEERING) WAS TRAVELLING NORTHBOUND ON THW TCHEFUNCTE RIVER WITH THREE PERSONS ON BOARD, IN THE VICINITY OF THE OLD THREE RIVERS LANDING, PULLING A SKIER ON A WAKE BOARD, TRAVELLING AT APPROX. 18-20 MPH, WHEN THE OPERATOR LOOKED BEHIND HIS VESSEL AS THE SUBJECT ON THE WAKEBOARD FELL INTO THE WATER & BECAME DISTRACTED, ALLOWING HIS VESSEL TO DRIFT TOO FAR TO THE RIGHT HAND SIDE OF THE RIVER (RIGHT ASCENDING BANK). THE OPERATOR OF THE VESSEL FOUND HIS VESSEL ON A COLLISION COURSE WITH A 100' HOUSEBOAT BARGE WHICH WAS MOORED TO A DOCK ON THE RIGHTHAND SIDE OF THE RIVER. THE OPERATOR THEN PUT HIS VESSEL IN A HARD TURN TO PORT & COLLIDED WITH THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF THE HOUSEBOAT AT AN ANGLE (GLANCING BOW) CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE STBD. BOW OF HIS VESSEL. THE PASSENGER SITTING ON THE FRONT SEAT WAS THROWN FORWARD & RECEIVED MINOR INJURIES (LOOSE TOOTH AND CONTUSIONS TO THE FOREHEAD). THERE WAS ONLY MINOR DAMAGE TO THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF THE HOUSEBOAT. THIS INCIDENT WAS CAUSED BY THE 17 YEAR OLD OPERATOR BEING DISTRACTED. THE PROPER PFD'S WERE PRESENT ON THE VESSEL & ALCOHOL WAS NOT A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR IN THE INCIDENT.


BARDID: LA-2011-0025
Date: 2011-03-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:15:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: TCHEFUNCTE RIVER
NearestCityTown: COVINGTON
County: ST. TAMMANY
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Submerged Object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
ON MARCH 20, 2011 AT APPROX. 3:15 HRS, A 24' BEACHCOMBE PARTY BARGE (LA2159FJ) WAS TRAVELLING SOUTHBOUND ON THE TCHEFUNCTE RIVER AT THREE TO FIVE KNOTS, JUST SOUTH (DOWNRIVER) FROM THE I-12 BRIDGE WITH THREE PERSONS ON BOARD, WHEN THE VESSEL WAS OVERTAKEN ON THE STBD SIDE BY AN UNKNOWN LARGER VESSEL. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE VESSEL PASSED, THE PARTY BARGE STRUCK A SUBMERGED OBJECT, THROWING ONE OF THE PASSENGERS  FOREWARD, CAUSING BRUSING TO HER BACK AND SIDE AND CAUISING 7 BROKEN RIBS ON HER RIGHT SIDE. THERE WAS NO OBVIOUS DAMAGE TO THE VESSEL. THE THIRD PERSON ON BOARD WAS UNINJURED. operator THEN DROVE HIS VESSEL TO HIS RESIDENCE AT 71 BOGUE FALAYA DRIVE IN COVINGTON, WHERE EMS WAITED TO TRANSPORT victim TO ST. TAMMANY PARISH HOSPITAL FOR TREATMENT. 
ALCOHOL IS NOT SUSPECTED TO BE A FACTOR IN THE INCIDENT. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE PASSING VESSEL DISLODGED AN OBJECT FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE RIVER, CAUSING IT TO BE STRUCK BY VESSEL.


BARDID: LA-2011-0026
Date: 2011-03-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: PORTER'S RIVER
NearestCityTown: PEARL RIVER
County: ST. TAMMANY
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Overloading
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: CAPSIZING
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On march 20, 2011 at 5:00p.m. the louisiana department of wildlife and fisheries was notified about a one vessel accident which occurred in porter's river, near pearl river, louisiana. The incident involved only one vessel, louisiana registration number la 7657 ff, a 14 foot aluminum weldcraft and powered by a 40 horsepower suzuki outboard engine. The operator advised investigating louisiana department of wildlife and fisheries agents that as he left his dock at his camp on porter's river, the vessel began to immediately take on water. Operator stated that as he attempted to motor the vessel in forward gear, the vessel then capsized, throwing all six adults, two juveniles (who reportedly wore pfd's) returned to shore with only one passenger, an adult, requiring medical attention. The generator and three dogs were lost overboard. The vessel and all eight passengers were later towed to the pump slew boat landing by a passerby. Investigator's determined that all pfd requirements were met by law and no alcohol or drug involvement was suspected. Photographs obtained by ldwf. Responding agencies: louisiana department of wildlife & fisheries and st. Tammany sheriff's office.


BARDID: LA-2011-0027
Date: 2011-03-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:45:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: DOUBLOON BAYOU
NearestCityTown: SLIDELL
County: ST. TAMMANY
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Fixed Object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On march 27th, 2011 agents of the louisiana department of wildlife and fisheries, division of law enforcement responded to the end of blue crane rd. Southeast of slidell, louisiana in st. Tammany parish regarding a single vessel boating accident that occurred on doubloon bayou which resulted in 6 injuries. Upon arrival it was learned that vessel #1, a 1999 21' avenger center console, operated by its owner was traveling outbound on doubloon bayou when it maneuvered to the starboard side leaving the bayou and running into the trees, resulting in minor injuries to all 6 pob's onboard. The vessel's operator/owner stated the steering on his vessel wouldn't turn, which resulted in the crash. 

Agents investigation found the steering turned with ease, and were unable to find any supporting factor to owner's claims, therefore as a result of this investigation it was concluded that the vessel's operator/owner was inattentive and acted in a reckless manner which resulted in the crash. Owner was issued citation number d542770 by s/a and cited in accordance with lrs 34:851.5 'reckless operation'. All persons onboard the vessel were transported by ambulance to local area hospitals where they were treated and released for minor bruises & contusions. From the initial observations it appeared to the agents that the vessel sustained only minor scratches to the fiberglass as well as the rub rails which were estimated to be less than $1000.00 in damages. For further information concerning the aforementioned crash see the attached voluntary written statements and photographs. As a result of this investigation it was determined that alcohol was not a contributing factor and all personal flotation devices and safety equipment was accessible and properly used. No further information concerning the above incident is to follow at this time...


Injured: bruises and contusions   medical treatment: yes


BARDID: LA-2011-0028
Date: 2011-03-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Bayou Lafourche
NearestCityTown: Golden
County: Lafourche
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Drug Use
AccidentCause2: IMPROPER LOOKOUT
AccidentCause3: OPERATOR INATTENTION
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/Swamping
AccidentEvent3: Person Departed Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
We were advised of a sunken boat in Lafourche by LPSO.  The boat was marked with GPS coordinates N29 19 555 and W90 11 842 and rested upright but sunken in approximately 1 1/2 feet of water. The vessel was identified as a 14 ft Polar Kraft and belonging to Injured victim.  The vessel was equipped with a tiller steer 25 hp Mercury engine.  Examination of the engine showed the cover to be off, mud on the upper parts of the exposed engine, the engine to be in gear, and the kill switch was in the "run" postion with no lanyard attached.  The vessel appeared to have seen much use and we were unable to discern a fresh collision point, although there was a significant dent mid ship on the  underside of the vessel port side. (A later examination showed an approximately 8" long by 1/8" wide gash in the hull that had been repaired at one time but was now reopened). A body was recovered and later Identified as Operator.  The deceased had a boat plug in his pocket and the vessel did not have a plug in place. I was given an unmarked pill bottle that had been discovered in the debris by LPSO and contained a large quantity of pills (79). I was able to make a possible match for the pills based on their stamp "Watson 540". Pill imprint WATSON 540 has been identified as Acetaminophen and hydrocodone bitartrate 500 mg/10mg. Injured victim was rescued from the water near the accident and brought to Our lady of the Sea Hospital. We met with Injured victim and had the hospital do a blood sample kit (At the time we were unsure of who the operator was and we were in the process of reconstructing the events of the accident. ) After advising the subject of his rights we got a preliminary verbal statement from him. 

He claimed that he and Operator decided to go night fishing the previous night and left off boat launch around 7:30 to 8:00PM.  While trying to find an area to fish they struck an oyster reef and broke the seal on the fiberglass patch on the hull.  He claimed that they pulled the plug of the boat to drain the water while underway and through some misfortune were unable to keep the boat from sinking. Injured victim stated that the vessel sank upright and they abandoned it in favor of walking back to town through the marsh.  I asked Injured victim about possible contributing factors and he stated that the night was clear with a mostly full moon and the water was calm.  he stated that after walking some distance the two of them got separated he decided to try to stay warm until daylight. Given the information from Injured victim, it is at this point that it appears as though Operator returned to the vessel and attempted to try to get in the vessel afloat and operational. this would explain the removed engine cover. It does not provide answers to what events lead to Operator's death.  No PFDs were used nor was a safety lanyard available or used even thought the engine was capable.


BARDID: LA-2011-0029
Date: 2011-03-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:45:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Middle Fork Atchafalaya Bsin
NearestCityTown: Pierre Part
County: St. Martin
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Strong
Visibility: UNKN
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Submerged Object
RedactedNarrative:
On 3/5/11 operator and one person were fishing the Dreams Come True bass tournament in the Atchafalaya Basin.  Operator was operating a 20' Triton Tr 200 bass boat that was powered by a Mercury 250 hp Pro XS.  At about 11:45 AM they were headed out of Middle fork Bayou, towards Bayou Long. At this time, it was raining hard and there was a small patch of grass floating in the middle of the bayou. 
As the vessel passed at about 35 mph, the motor struck a submerged log. the motor kicked up out of the wter and broke the motor bracket. After the motor bracket broke, the propeller struck the starboard rear side of the vessel and then fell back in the water. The motor was only attached by the throttle cables and the wiring harness. Operator was wearing his kill switch lanyard and both subjects were wearing their pfd. Neither subject sustained any injuries nor was alcohol believed to be involved.  Upon inspection of the vessel, Sgt. found dark water logged wood embedded in the water intake on the front of the lower unit. This indicated that the motor struck a submerged log or stump.  The motor bracket was snapped clean and the power tilt ram was broken, snapping towards the starboard side. There was a prop cut on the starboard rear side of the vessel , about 18" from the stem. There was aquatic grass and water hyacinth embedded in the prop cut on the hull.  This indicated that there was grass betweeen the log and motor at the point of impact. The vessel was equipped with hydraulic steering. There was no other apparent damage to the vessel.


BARDID: LA-2011-0030
Date: 2011-03-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:49:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: MRGO
NearestCityTown: CHALMETTE
County: ST BERNARD
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Sharp Turn
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Struck by Propeller
RedactedNarrative:
On March 19,2011 vessel, LA 2803 AK, was being operated.  Occupant was located in front of console and was seated.  Vessel made a sudden violent turn to starboard ejecting both men from the port side of the vessel.  Vessel's propeller then struck both men.  Operator was removed from the water and was taken to University Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Occupant was seen by eye witness, and family member unconscious in the water, and while removing Operator from the water he lost visual contact with him.  Family member was in his own boat and was NOT PHYSICALLY INVOLVED in the incident. LDWDF in conjunction with the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff's Marine Division and U.S. Coast Guard continued search and rescue missions for Occupant.  Neither of the men were wearing PFD's and the kill switch lanyard was not attached to the boat or operator.  However, the kill switch was in the up position to allow the motor to operate. No alcohol was found in the vessel when investigators arrived on the scene.  The vessel, LA 2803 AK, which is described as an 18 foot Campagna with a 75 hp Mercury outboard motor was seized by LDWF agents for investigative purposes.  The vessel was tagged with evidence tag 67897 and is being stored at the LDWF impound yard located in Chalmette until conclusion of the investigation.  As of March 22, 2011 the body of Occupant was located near the GPS coordinates provided by family member.  He was transported to the Orleans parish Coroner's Office.


BARDID: LA-2011-0031
Date: 2011-03-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 05:20:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: SALINE BAYOU
NearestCityTown: DEVILLE
County: AVOYELLES
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentCause2: EXCESSIVE SPEED
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 3/18/11 (operator1), his wife and two grandchildren were in boat (LA-4713-FE) headed down stream on Saline Bayou.  Operator1 states all four were wearing type III PFD's.  Operator2 was by himself in boat (LA-7665-EW) and heading up stream on Saline Bayou.

Operator2 was wearing a type III PFD.  The two boats met near an area commonly called "Hickory Cutoff" in a head-on situation.  Attempts by both operators were unsuccessful in preventing a collision.  Operator2 was ejected from the boat as a result of the collision. OPerator2's body was later recovered and he was pronounced dead by Rapides Parish Coroner's office.  There were no injuries to anyone from the boat1.  Drug and alcohol test are pending on both operators.


BARDID: LA-2011-0032
Date: 2011-03-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 07:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: BIG CREEK
NearestCityTown: DEVILLE
County: RAPIDES
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Excessive Speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Fixed Object
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On March 5, 2011 operator entered a left turn on Big Creek operating LA-1132-BN.  operator encountered heavy wave action caused by a number of boats he was following.  As a result operator lost control of his boat and struck a tree located near the middle of the waterway.  Both operator and this passenger were wearing type III PFD's.  The passenger, occupant fell overboard after impact with the tree.  occupant later went to emergency room and was found to have only bruises and pulled muscles.


BARDID: LA-2011-0033
Date: 2011-03-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Red River
NearestCityTown: Bossier City
County: Bossier - 8
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Missing or Inadequate Navigation Aids
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Submerged Object
RedactedNarrative:
On March 4, 2011, operator was operating LA vessel 5528FA south on the Red River in Bossier Parish.  Approximately a mile south of Jimmie Davis Bridge (LA 511) operator struck a dredge pipe that floated across the river from Blunt Brothers construction. The skeg on operator's vessel was damaged, causing the lower unit of the motor to be replaced.  Both operator and his passenger were wearing Type 3 PFD's at the time of the incident.  Alcohol and drugs are not suspected in this incident.  The contributing factor in this incident was the fact that Blunt Brothers Construction's dredge pipe was floating outside of their marked hazard bouys, blocking the river channel.


BARDID: LA-2011-0035
Date: 2011-03-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 06:20:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Atchafalaya River
NearestCityTown: Berwick
County: St. Mary
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Excessive Speed
AccidentCause2: Restricted Vision
AccidentCause3: NAVIGATION RULES VIOLATION
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Floating Object
RedactedNarrative:
On March 5, 2011, at approximately 6:25 a.m. LDWF enforcement agent was notified of a boat incident which occurred in the Atchafalaya near Morgan City. occupant advised that he was travelling south in the Atchafalaya River when he struck a log which knocked his lower unit off of his outboard motor. On this morning visibility was restricted by very dense fog and it was just turning daylight at the time. Agent talked to Operator about the incident and he advised that he hit a submerged log, (advised he could not see it), in the river. 
Agent then asked if he saw what he hit after the impact and Operator advised that he did. He advised that it was longer than Agent vessel which is 20 ft. in length and it had just floated by in the current. Agents found the log that was apparently struck, it was approximately 45 ft in length and floating approximately 8 inches out of the water. This log had a white transfer  mark that was consistent with the keel and a deep gouge caused by Operator' vessel. Agents spoke to Operator again and he advised that he  saw the log approximately 40 to 50 yards ahead of his vessel but there was nothing he could do to avoid impact. Agents then asked Operator how fast he was travelling and he advised that he wasn't sure but thought that he was going about 40 miles per hour. He also advised that he became airborne and cleared that log after impact. Due to the given conditions Operator should have been operating at a speed which allowed him to steer safely and stop at a reasonable distance. In accordance with navigational rules of the road for vessels RS 34:851.27A a subsection 301 D rule number 16 states that all vessels shall be operated at reasonable speeds for given conditons and situations and must be under the complete control of the operator at all times. Operator was cited for Reckless Operation of a watercraft RS 34:851.5. Both Operator and his passenger were wearing PFD's and Operator had the kill switch attached to his pfd. No alcohol or drugs were suspected.


BARDID: LA-2011-0036
Date: 2011-03-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: BARTHOLOMEW LAKE
NearestCityTown: STERLINGTON
County: OUACHITA
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentCause2: EXCESSIVE SPEED
AccidentCause3: MACHINERY FAILURE
MachineryFailure: Engine
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Fixed Object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Subject boat owner and operator was operating a 19.6 ft 1996 Nitro bass boat on Bartholomew Lake.  He was headed south when he began having outboard motor problems (motor started missing or sputtering).  The boat was on plane at the time.  Instead of coming to a stop and checking out the motor trouble, he remained on plane, and turned around to look at the motor, at which time, he turned the steering wheel to the left, causing the boat to veer off course and head towards the east bank (primary factor-looked away from direction of travel and turned the wheel-operator inattention).  When he looked forward (2-4 second later) and realized he was about to hit the bank, he made a hard turn to the right (secondary factor-excessive speed) and struck a partially submerged log which again turned the boat into the east bank.  The boat then struck two trees, totaling the hull and ejecting one person into the floor of the boat causing minor injuries.  While fault of machinery (sputtering outboard) was a contributing factor, it was not the primary cause of the accident.


BARDID: LA-2011-0037
Date: 2011-03-16 00:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: CROCKETT POINT LAKE
NearestCityTown: CROWVILLE
County: FRANKLIN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
On 03/16/2011 Operator was reported missing by wife.  Wife stated that her husband had gone fishing early that Wednesday morning.  When she returned home that evening at 5:00pm she could see his boat but could not see Operator.  Wife notified subject and he came to investigate.  subject found Operator boat "vessel" 1 near the bank, but was not tied.  He found two fishing rods in the water near the boat.  subject stated that there was a 12" aluminium boat "vessel" 2 floating capsized near vessel 1. At the time dragging operations started vessel 2 was approx. 200 yards from vessel 1.  victim was found floating underneath vessel 2.  The events that led to the death of Operator are unknown. Franklin Parish Coroner's Office listed the cause of death was drowing.  It was reported that Operator could not swim and refused to wear a PFD while fishing.  His health was poor and he suffered from the effects of a stroke.  No witness have come forward with information about the accident.


BARDID: LA-2011-0042
Date: 2011-02-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:20:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE SALVADOR
NearestCityTown: WESTWEGO
County: JEFFERSON
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
RedactedNarrative:
On february 26, 2011 at approximately 12:20 p.m., agent received word from lswf dispatch of a sunken bass boat in lake salvador with people still in the water.  Agent responded and arrived on scene at approximately 12:30 p.m. the operator was still on scene with the sunken vessel. Agent received word that the other passenger had been transported back to the launch by another passing boater.  The operator stated that he did not know what caused the vessel to sink, it just started taking on water from the floor.  The operator was transported back to the launch and information was gathered there. No alcohol use was suspected during the incident and both operator and passenger were wearing pfd's. Closer inspection of the hull after the vessel was recovered showed massive amounts of fiberglass damage and some damage to the lower unit.  The cause of the damage was unable to be determined by the agent.  Note: the passenger was given several opportunities to complete a voluntary witness statement all enidng with negative results. 
The estimate for the damage was given to the agent by the operator of the vessel. The exact amount of damage with a written estimate or receipt was not provided to ldwf.


BARDID: LA-2011-0043
Date: 2011-04-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: AIRPLANE BAY
NearestCityTown: LAFITTE
County: JEFFERSON
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentCause2: IMPROPER LOOKOUT
AccidentCause3: EXCESSIVE SPEED
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Fixed Object
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
THE OPERATOR OF VESSEL 1 WAS TRAVELING ON PLANE IN THE AVOVE NAMED LOCATION AND WAS LOOKING AT ANOTHER VESSEL, WHICH WAS RUNNING SOME CRAB TRAPS NEARBY.  BECAUSE THE OPERATOR WAS NOT PAYING ATTENTION, HIS VESSEL, VESSEL 1, STRUCK A 10FT TALL PILING IN THE OPEN WATER OF THE BAY.  THE OPERATOR WAS EJECTED FROM THE VESSEL AND SUSTAINED MULTIPLE INJURIES.  VESSEL 1 CONTINUED TOWARDS SHORE AND TRAVELED APPROXIMATELY 20 FEET ONTO THE LAND.  THE NEARBY BOATERS SUSEQUENTLY RETRIEVED THE OPERATOR FROM THE WATER AND TRANSPORTED HIM BACK TO HIS CAMP, WHERE FAMILY MEMBERS THEN TRANSPORTED HIM TO THE HOSPITAL.

THE OPERATOR WAS NOT WEARING A PFD AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT, NOR WAS HE WEARING THE ENGINE CUT-OFF LANYARD.  THERE WERE NO PASSENGERS ABOARD THE VESSEL AND ALCOHOL DID NOT APPEAR TO BE A FACTOR.  HOWEVER, THE OPERATOR SUBMITTED A BLOOD SAMPLE FOR ANALYSIS.


BARDID: LA-2011-0047
Date: 2011-03-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Bayou Long
NearestCityTown: STEPHENSVILLE
County: ST. Martin
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Submerged Object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/Swamping
AccidentEvent3: CAPSIZING
RedactedNarrative:
On 3/27/11 Agent received a call from dispatch regarding a boating accident in Lower St. Martin Parish. Upon arrival at the scene the agent discovered that the accident had taken place on 3/26/11 at approximately 7:00pm. The vessel was on a trailer at Gros Marina. the operator advised the agent that they were in Bayou Long when the incident occurred. He advised that they were attempting to get on plane when they struck a submerged object causing the vessel to turn to the right. This caused them to go across a wooded point. Severe damage to the hull caused the vessel to fill with water and capsize. The subjects were not wearing PFD's at the time of the incident.  Involvement of alcohol or drugs is not suspected. Upon inspection, the steering was intact and funtional. The subjects were bruised and scraped but refused medical attention.


BARDID: LA-2011-0048
Date: 2011-05-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:02:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Calcasieu River
NearestCityTown: Hecker
County: Calcasieu - 10
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
Agents received call in reference to possible boating incident on Calcasieu River.  Upon arrival, agents observed vessel, LA 9289 FW, a 14' Tracker with a semi vee bottom operated by remote steering, floating freely on the west side of the Calcasieu River approximately 50 feet inside of the highline ditch.  Agents observed the throttle was in neutral and the ignition key was off, with the motor trimmed all the way down.  The safety cutoff lanyard was still attached to the safety cutoff switch.  Agents motored south on the Calcasieu River approximately .16 miles downstream to two vessels occupied by the men who called in the incident, and the body of Operator was recovered, agents observed Operator had a fishing bait hooked in the right sleeve of his shirt, in the cuff, near his hand.  Agents also observed Operator had a fishing rod in his left hand, with the tip broken off.  Operator fell overboard from his vessel, and was not wearing a PFD at the time the incident occurred.  The contributing factors are unknown.  Agents did note the trolling motor was down with power setting set on power 2.  The switch has to be pressed to engage the power on the trolling motor.  Toxicology tests are pending.


BARDID: LA-2011-0049
Date: 2011-05-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:10:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Calcasieu River East Fork
NearestCityTown: Lake Charles
County: Calcasieu - 10
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Navigation Rules Violation
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INEXPERIENCE
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel one, LA 9725 EP, a 16 ft hydrasport operated by remote steering, powered by a 90 horsepower outboard evinrude motor, was traveling north on east fork of Calcasieu River.  The operator of vessel two, LA 3601 FA, a 10 ft personal watercraft operated by remote steering powered by a 1100 cc Kawaski jet drive motor, was unsure of his location and flagged the operator of vessel one down to ask for directions.  The operator of vessel two maneuvered his vessel to the port stern quarter of vessel one, while vessel one was slowing his speed and coming to a stop.  When the operator of vessel two let off of the throttle of his PWC, he lost steering control, and ran into vessel one, his final resting place being inside of vessel one.  One of the passengers onboard vessel one, had minor back injuries and was brought to Memorial Hospital for further treatment.  Both operators were administered standardized field sobriety tests, neither showing any signs of intoxication.  The operator and passenger onboard vessel two were wearing PFD's and the operator was wearing a safety cutoff lanyard.  None of the passengers onboard vessel one were wearing PFD's and the operator was not wearing safety cutoff lanyard.  The type of incident is a collision with a vessel.  The factors contributing to the incident are reckless operation by the operator of vessel 2, and operator inexperience of vessel 2.


BARDID: LA-2011-0050
Date: 2011-04-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE BORNE
NearestCityTown: SHELL BEACH
County: ST BERNARD
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Submerged Object
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
ON SATURDAY, APRIL 23, 2011, operator WAS OPERATING HIS DEA DOO WITH A FEMALE PASSENGER IN LAKE BORGNE NEAR SHELL BEACH, LA WHILE CRUISING THE VESSEL STRUCK AN UNIDENTIFIED SUBMERGED OBJECT CAUSING EXTENSIVE FIBERGLASS DAMAGE TO THE UNDERSIDE OF THE PWC NEAR THE IMPELLER INTAKE.  BOTH WERE WEARING PFDS AND THE OPERATOR HAD THE KILL SWITCH ATTACHED. THE FEMALE PASSENGER WAS EJECTED FROM THE PWC INTO THE WATER.  UPON EJECTION THE FEMALE PASSENGER ACQUIRED AN INJURY TO HER ANKLE.  THE OPERATOR WAS NOT EJECTED.  NEITHER ALCOHOL NOR DRUGS WERE A FACTOR.  THE ACCIDENT WAS A COLLISION WITH A FIXED OBJECT THAT WAS SUBMERGED.  IT IS UNKNOWN WHAT THE SUBMERGED OBJECT WAS THAT CAUSED THE ACCIDENT.


BARDID: LA-2011-0052
Date: 2011-04-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Tensas River/Bayou Macon
NearestCityTown: Wisner
County: Franklin
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Excessive Speed
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INATTENTION
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Submerged Object
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On April 11th, 2011, at approximately 4:00pm, operator was operating a 17' Express Aluminum vessel with a 50 hp Yamaha tiller handle outboard motor on the Tensas River in Franklin Parish.  The motor struck a submerged underwater object (primary factor 1 struck submerged object).  At the point Operator was ejected from the vessel (secondary factor 2 excessive speed).  Operator  was wearing a Type III PFD, but failed to have the kill switch attached to his person.  Upon ejection from the vessel, Operator sustained injuries to his left leg.  After being ejected, the vessel continued for approximately one-half mile due to the fact of the kill switch not being attached to the operator (tertiary factor 3 operator inattention).  Operator swam to the Tensas Parish side of the bank and proceeded n foot to where the vessel had came to rest.  Operator then swam out and retrieved  the vessel.  At approximately 6:00pm, a passing vessel stopped and assisted Operator. Operator secured the vessel he was operating to a houseboat on the Franklin Parish bank of the Tensas River. Operator was later transported to St. Francis Medical Center in Monroe, LA for treatment to his injured leg. 

At approximately 8:35pm, I, Sr. Agent, was contacted by Lt. about Operator's boating accident. Sgt. and Sgt. were also contacted.  Sgt.  and I responded to retrieve evidence and document damage to the vessel while Sgt. interviewed Operator at St. Francis Medical Center.


BARDID: LA-2011-0053
Date: 2011-04-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:40:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Ouachita River
NearestCityTown: Halie
County: Union
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Navigation Rules Violation
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 04/15/2011 at approximately 2:40pm, two personal watercrafts were operating on the Ouachita River near Finch Bayou Landing in Union Parish. The two PWC's were traveling north and operating in close proximity of each other.  The PWC driven by operator1 made an abrupt course change and was struck by the PWC driven by operator2. operator1 suffered a fractured femur and was transported to Glenwood Regional Medical Center for treatment. Type III PFD's were worn by both subjects involved.  No indications of alcohol involvement.


BARDID: LA-2011-0055
Date: 2011-06-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Joseph Harbor Rockefeller Refu
NearestCityTown: Grand Chenier
County: Cameron - 12
WaterConditions: UNKNOWN
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentCause2: NAVIGATION RULES VIOLATION
AccidentCause3: People on Gunwale, Bow, or Transom
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Struck by Propeller
RedactedNarrative:
On 6/3/2011 operator was operating vessel LA 4795 EX on the Joseph Harbor Canal on Rockefeller Refuge.  This is an 18' Express with a 115 Yamaha outboard engine with remote steering on a side console.  Operator had five (5) children as passengers, all were 13 years old and younger.  There were two  (2) children sitting on pedestal seats, one foreward and one aft.  As the vessel was leaving the "concrete dam" area of Rockefeller Refuge the vessel began idling southward down the main canal.  When he was clear of the no wake zone the operator began to accelerate and bring the vessel on step.  As he did so there was a large plastic bucket sitting on the floor of the vessel that began to "hover" because of the rising velocity of the wind through the vessel.  The bucket began to fly from the vessel and in front of the operator.  He instinctively grabbed the bucket as it struck him from the front.  Upon doing so the operator temporarily released the steering and the vessel turned sharply to the starboard. 
The operator immediately regained control of tthe vessel and corrected the steering back to port.   In doing so the child was thrown off balance and was ejected from the starboard side of  the bow. The progression of the vessel's aft section carried the foot of the engine over child while he was in the water.  This motion resulted in child being struck by the propeller of the vessel.  Child sustained injuries which included a broken femur, a lacerated patella, and deep lacerations to the thigh and knee of the left leg.  There were no other injuries even though the child sitting on the rear pedestal seat was ejected as well.  The passenger from the rear pedestal was retrieved first as she was closest to the vessel.  Child was then retreived from the water by his father, the operator of the vessel, and was taken back to the Joseph Harbor boat launch.  Agents were at the boat launch and administered first aid until the paramedics arrived, approximately 15 minutes later.  Child was airlifted by Acadiana Ambulance helicopter to Lafayette General Hospital where he later underwent surgery for the injuries sustained.  All subjects were wearing their pfds and there was no alcochol involvement.


BARDID: LA-2011-0056
Date: 2011-05-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:15:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Atchafalaya Basin
NearestCityTown: Belle River
County: ST. Martin
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Missing or Inadequate Navigation Aids
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Submerged Object
RedactedNarrative:
On 5/18/11 at approximately 0845, I, Sgt. was notified of a boating incident which had occurred in the Atchafalaya Basin. I was advised that the parties involved were at the Belle River Public Landing and that one passenger was being transported by Acadian Ambulance to Teche Regional Medical in Morgan City. occupant was complaining of back pain. After speaking with the operator and the other passenger it was learned that they were traveling in a pipeline canal, known as the Southern Natural, when they struck a piling. The piling was covered with grass due to the high water in the Basin.  the subjects were not wearing their PFD's but the driver did have his kill switch attached to his person. No drugs or alcohol was involved in this incident. Also there was no visible damage to the vessel or the engine. Note: A picture if the piling was unable to be obtained because the water had risen since the incident causing the piling to be completely submerged.


BARDID: LA-2011-0057
Date: 2011-06-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:45:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Southwestern Canal
NearestCityTown: Leeville
County: Lafourche
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: People on Gunwale, Bow, or Transom
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentCause3: SUDDEN MEDICAL CONDITION
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
On 6/3/11 at approximately 5:45 p.m., Operator and Occupant were fishing in the Southwestern Canal located in Leeville. Operator was experiencing motor trouble, so he attempted to tie his vessel, LA3051BH, to a piling in the canal. At this time, Operator fell overboard into the swift current of the Southwestern Canal.  Occupant quickly threw Operator a PFD, which Operator attempted to put on. subject was unable to pursue Operator due to the fact that the engine would not crank and she was unaware of how to use the trolling motor. 

At approximately 6:45 p.m. subject2 and his father noticed a PFD in the water and turned around. They then saw a body attached to the PFD, and quickly called 911.  Officers from the Lafourche Parish SO as well as Harbor Patrol responded quickly and retrieved Operator, who was indeed wearing a PFD.  The PFD was not properly fastened causing the PFD to come off of Operator while the officers were attempting to pull him into their vessel. Sgt. was notified of the accident at approximately 8:00 p.m. and arrived at the scene at approximately 8:45 p.m.  Sgt. inspected the vessel and found no evidence of any alcohol and/or drugs in the vessel. The vessel, LA3051BH, contained 3 type 3 PFDs and the steering on the vessel was in good working order, constructed of a wheel and teleflex steering cable On 6/5/11, Sgt. was contacted by the Laourche DO, and advised that Operator expired from a massive heart attack.  The coroner also Sgt. that here was very little water in Operator's lungs.


BARDID: LA-2011-0058
Date: 2011-05-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:25:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Charles Lake
NearestCityTown: Lake Charles
County: Calcasieu - 10
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inexperience
AccidentCause2: People on Gunwale, Bow, or Transom
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person Struck by Propeller
AccidentEvent3: Collision with Recreational Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1, La 4849 EH a 40' house boat, remote steering operated, was moored along the seawall in Lake Charles Lake.  Vessel 2, TX 1079 BF, a 40' deep vee boat, remote steering operated was approaching the dock, manuvering the vessel to dock.  subject was asked by the owner to dock the vessel because Subject was more experienced in boat operating, and she was not comfortable docking in such close quarters.  The controls on Subjects vessel are different from that of another vessel.  Subject indicated he nosed the bow of the vessel into dock, and put the port motor in reverse to complete the docking process.  When Subject was completing the docking process, he went to put the port motor into neutral, he moved the throttle, which powered up the vessel, which was still in reverse.  One (1) of the passengers onboard the vessel was standing on the swim platform of vessel 2, holding the line to secure it to the vessel Subject was docking along side of.  When Subject accidentally used the throttle instead of the gear shifter, another person fell between Vessel 1 and Vessel 2 causing lacerations to left leg.  victim was brought  to St. Patricks Hospital where she received medical treatment for the injuries she sustained.  Standardized field sobriety test were conducted on Subject.  Subject did not show any clues of intoxication.  PFD's were not used by any passengers on either of the vessels.  The contributing factors of the incident were operator inexperience with that particular vessel.  The type of incident was collision with a vessel and hit by boat.


BARDID: LA-2011-0060
Date: 2011-06-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: BAYOU CYPRESS OIL CANAL
NearestCityTown: LAFITTE
County: JEFFERSON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inexperience
AccidentCause2: IMPROPER LOADING
AccidentCause3: SHARP TURN
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: CAPSIZING
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL 1, AN AIRBOAT, WAS TRAVELING DOWN AN OILFIELD CANAL WITH 4 PERSONS ON BOARD ABOVE IDLE SPEED.  THE OPERATOR OF VESSEL 1 TURNED THE VESSEL TO STARBOARD 180 DEGREES IN ORDER TO SPOT A NEARBY ALLIGATOR.  IN DOING SO, THE VESSEL LISTED TO STARBOARD, WHERE THE HEAVIEST OF THE PASSENGERS WAS SEATED.  THE OPERATOR REDUCED THROTTLE AND VESSEL 1 CAME TO REST AND BEGAN TO TAKE ON WATER OVER THE STARBOARD GUNWALE AND TRANSOM.  THE VESSEL FILLED WITH WATER AND ROLLED TO STARBOARD, SINKING INTO THE WATER ON ITS SIDE.  THE OPERATOR AND ALL 3 PASSENGERS ENTERED THE WATER AND THEN HELD ON TO THE GUNWALE, WHERE THEY AWAITED RESCUE VIA THE USCG HELICOPTER.  THERE WERE ADEQUATE PFD'S ON BOARD THE VESSEL, HOWEVER THEY WERE NOT WORN AND WERE NOT ABLE TO BE REACHED ONCE VESSEL 1 SANK.  THE OPERATOR HAD THE KILL SWITCH ATTACHED TO HIS PERSON, WHICH STOPPED THE ENGINE AS HE WAS EJECTED FROM THE VESSEL. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND ALCOHOL WAS NOT A FACTOR.


BARDID: LA-2011-0061
Date: 2011-05-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: FREEPORT SULPHUR CANAL/RATTLES
NearestCityTown: PORT SULPHUR
County: PLAQUEMINES
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Missing or Inadequate Navigation Aids
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Submerged Object
RedactedNarrative:
operator WAS OPERATING VESSEL LA 3258 FF WITH THREE OTHER SUBJECTS ON BOARD WHEN THE LOWER UNIT OF THE ENGINE STRUCK A FIXED OBJECT UNDER THE WATER (PIPELINE), CAUSING THE ENGINE TO LOCK UP AND BENDING THE PROP & PROP SHAFT, ALSO TAKING PIECES OUT OF THE SKEG AND BENDING IT.  NO INJURIES OCCURRED, THE TWO CHILDREN ON THE VESSEL WERE WEARING THEIR LIFE JACKETS, THE KILL SWITCH WAS USED.  THE VESSEL HAS HYDRAULIC STEERING.  operator WAS OPERATING THE VESSEL AT CRUISING SPEED, DOWN A CANAL WHEN HE WENT OVER AN AREA THAT USED TO BE LAND, BUT HAS BEEN OPEN WATER NOW FOR APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR WITH NO CHANNEL MARKERS.


BARDID: LA-2011-0062
Date: 2011-06-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:30:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: St. Louis Canal
NearestCityTown: Pointe Aux Chein
County: Lafourche
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentCause2: NAVIGATION RULES VIOLATION
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Fixed Object
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was travelling west in St. Louis Canal. another person was also on board and was seated on the front deck facing to the stem of the vessel. At the time the vessel was on plane when it  drifted to it's starboard side and struck a piling standing up approximately 20 feet off the north bank. Both occupants were ejected from the vessel. occupant sustained a broken right leg and shouldeer injuries. operator sustained severe lacerations to his right leg as well as injuries to his back.  Both subjects were able to reboard the vessel and returned to the board launch under their own power. Where EMS treated and transported them to Terrebonne General Medical center.  Vessel 1 is a 15 ft. tiller controlled aluminum flat with a 25 hp outboard. occupant was wearing a PFD at the time of the incident, operator was not. Alcohol is not a factor in this incident.


BARDID: LA-2011-0063
Date: 2011-04-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:30:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Private Lake
NearestCityTown: DENHAM SPRINGS
County: LIVINGSTON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentCause2: EQUIPMENT FAILURE
EquipmentFailure: Seat Broke Loose
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
On 4/22/2011 at approx 11:30 a.m. Operator was operating a 14' aluminum duracraft flat boat powered by a trolling motor only in a private lake located at 1502 j.h. jenkins lane, denham springs, la. Operator was in the process of putting out a trotline. He was accompanied by two passengers. Operator was sitting in the front of the vessel on the deck in a pedestal type seat. Operator leaned over the port side of the vessel to drop the last trotline weight. When he leaned the vessel also leaned to the port side at which time the hinges that were not secured (see photos) allowed the seat pedestal assembly which was mounted to the cargo storage door to lean as well resulting in Operator and the assembly to fall overboard. 

At this time occupant jumped in the water to assist Operator who could not swim and was panicking. She attempted to help him but was overcome by him and shortly became exhausted and started swallowing water. She then backed off and he went under and never came back up. The vessel had now drifted a good distance away from her due to the wind. When her son saw her struggling he jumped in with a life jacket and helped her back to the vessel. They then called for help. Gps coordinates at the location of the trotline weight was recorded and search for Operator began there. Operators body was recovered by the tangipahoa fire departments drag team at 1:57 p.m. (1357 hrs) in this area. He was pronounced dead via drowning by the st. Helena coroner. Note: the vessel was equipped with three type one pfd's but none were worn. Occupant advised that Operator did advise her he could not swim when getting into the vessel so she offered him a pfd but he advised if it is his time to go then it is just his time to go. No alcohol or drugs suspected.


BARDID: LA-2011-0064
Date: 2011-05-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 07:15:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: TANGIPAHOA RIVER
NearestCityTown: PONCHATOULA
County: TANGIPAHOA
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Navigation Rules Violation
AccidentCause2: SHARP TURN
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 5/3/2011 at approx 7:15 a.m. vessel #1 was traveling up river maneuvering in a curve on the tangipahoa river approx 3/4s of a mile from lee's landing boat launch. Operator1 Stated that vessel #2 was traveling down river in the same curve at a high rate of speed on his side of the river and struck his vessel on the port (left) front bow section. Operator of vessel #2 Advised that he was traveling down river and slowed his vessel down to about 15 m.p.h. as he approached the curve. He stated that he was as far to his right side as he could safely get when vessel #1 came around the curve in his flat boat at a high rate of speed and struck his vessel on the port side bow area dislodging the upper cap of the vessel. The damage to both of the vessels is consistant with the operators statements. Both vessels left the scene after determining that there were no injuries. Operator1 then reported the incident when he got to work at approx 8:30 am. The discrepancy lies with who was on the wrong side of the river and both operators are stating they were on their side of the river. Vessel #1 clearly was traveling too fast to manuever his vessel in the curve and crossed over to their side and struck their vessel, see witness statements. No injuries were reported other than a bruised knee of the operator of vessel #1. After investigation was completed this agent cannot prove who was on the wrong side of the river. No non-interested parties observed the incident therefore no citations were issued at this time.


BARDID: LA-2011-0065
Date: 2011-05-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: AMITE RIVER DIVERSION CANAL
NearestCityTown: MAUREPAUS
County: LIVINGSTON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Improper Lookout
AccidentCause2: EXCESSIVE SPEED
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR OF VESSEL #1 WAS ATTEMPTING TO DOCK HIS VESSEL NEXT TO VESSEL #2 AT THE BLIND RIVER BAR ON THE AMITE RIVER DIVERSION CANAL IN LIVINGSTON PARISH. Operator1 REPORTS THAT AS HE WAS BACKING UP TO THE DOCK HIS HAND SLIPPED ON THE THROTTLE CAUSING HIS VESSEL TO COLLIDE WITH THE DOCK AT A SPEED NOTABLE ENOUGH THAT THE FIBERGLASS ON THE STERN OF HIS VESSEL WAS CRACKED AND DAMAGED (SEE PHOTOS). HE THEN PLACED THE THROTTLE FORWARD AND ACCELERATED. AS HIS VESSEL MOVED FORWARD AND AWAY FROM THE DOCK THE STARBOARD / AFT SECTION OF HIS VESSEL, VESSEL #1, STRUCK VESSEL #2 AND A NOTABLE SCRATCH (APPROX 2') ON THE STARBOARD AFT SECTION OF VESSEL #1. THE OPERATOR OF VESSEL #1 MOVED AWAY FROM VESSEL #2 AND DOCKED NEARBY. HE LOCATED THE OWNER OF VESSEL #2, AND AUTHORITIES WERE CONTACTED. PFD'S WERE NOT IN USE. ALCOHOL IS NOT BELIEVED TO BE A FACTOR IN THE INCIDENT. NO INJURIES OR DEATHS WERE REPORTED RELATING TO THIS INCIDENT.


BARDID: LA-2011-0068
Date: 2011-05-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:35:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: WEST PEARL RIVER
NearestCityTown: PEARL RIVER
County: ST. TAMMANY
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Excessive Speed
AccidentCause2: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Struck by Propeller
RedactedNarrative:
On 5/29/11, at approx 11:35am a flatboat with three people on board, was manuevering a gradual turn on the west pearl river when all three subjects were ejected into the water. All three were wearing uscg approved pfd's and made it safely to the shore. However, their boat was still under power and turning circles in the river near the sandbar. 
It was at this time that a bystander on the sandbar decided to retrieve the boat, even though he was warned not to. Bystander entered the water and waded toward the circling boat. As it approached, he attempted to grab the bow but his hands slipped off. The boat proceeded to run over him and then he was struck in the head and face by the propeller. He did not resurface. 
Another bystander on the shore, saw this, entered the water, dove under and recovered the victim. He brought him to shore and cared for him until airmed arrived on the scene. Bystander received lacerations to his face, lost teeth and has a fractured skull.
According to the operator of the boat, the boat was "porpoising" as it was going through the right hand turn, so he slowed down to correct slow speed, approx 20-25 mph, which was corroborated by a bystander. 
This boat is a commercial made flatboat with a 50hp yamaha outboard motor with a jackplate. It was being used recreationally at the time of this incident. Neither alcohol nor drugs was a factor in this incident.


BARDID: LA-2011-0069
Date: 2011-06-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Bayou Grand Caillou
NearestCityTown: Dulac
County: Terrebonne
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inexperience
AccidentCause2: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
Subject and passenger were operating a 10 ft long 760 cc Yamaha PWC with jet drive propulsion on 6/18/11.  The air temperature was 97 degrees and the water temp was 90 degrees. The weather was clear. Operator and passenger state they were both wearing PFDs.  Operator crossed another ( unknown) vessel's wake in Bayou Grand Caillou.  At which time the female passenger fell overboard into Bayou Grand Caillou.  Upon falling off the PWC her leg was injured by the gunwale. The passenger was transported to the Terrebonne General Medical Center Emergency room. Physicians there recommended a surgery to correct the fracture sustained by the passenger. The operation was completed by surgeons on 6/19/11.  Agents with the LA Department of Wildlife and Fisheries did not find alcohol or drug use to be a factor in this incident.


BARDID: LA-2011-0070
Date: 2011-06-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: DEBBIE DRIVE CANAL
NearestCityTown: SLIDELL
County: ST. TAMMANY
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Ignition of Spilled Fuel or Vapor
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
RedactedNarrative:
On june 12, 2011 at approx. 16:00 hrs, a 1980 shamrock inboard engine fiberglass vessel with 7 persons on board was leaving lake ponchartrain and had just entered the debbie drive canal near carr dr in slidellla., when the vessel caught fire. All seven occupants abandoned the vessel and were able to swim to shore near debbie drive. One of the passengers had second degree burns to his back and feet, and was administered first aid by ems, but refused further medical treatment. All of the occupants of the vessel stated that there was an explosion before the vessel caught fire. The entire vessel was destroyed by the fire and ran aground and sank in shallow water. Operator stated that his vessel's fuel tanks were about 1/4 full and that the vessel had been running fine right before the incident. The explosion and fire appear to have been fuel related (gasoline inboard engine vessel.) And the fire appears to have started near the stern of the vessel where the fuel tanks were located. The operator of the vessel appears to have acted with due diligence in getting his passengers off of the burning vessel and alcohol does not appear to be a contributing factor in this incident.


BARDID: LA-2011-0071
Date: 2011-06-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: BONFOUCA MARINA CANAL
NearestCityTown: BONFOUCA
County: St. Tammany - 52
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Improper Lookout
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 6-26-2011, S/A received a call concerning a sailboat which struck another sailboat which was docked and unmanned. Agents responded to the scene, Bonfouca Marina, and were met there by Sgt. Once here, both parties involved were found and told agents what had happened.

As the sailboat that was maneuvering out of the canal (vessel 1) neared the sailboat which was docked (vessel 2), the operator of vessel 1 said he looked down for just a second to light a cigarette and when he looked back up, his starboard side cable caught a wooden beam on vessel 2, which was docked in its slip. This piece of wood was cracked in two but no other significant damage was seen by agents. The boat’s owner said there was some other minor damage, but agents were unsure if it was caused by this incident or not. The boat operated by Operator1 received no damage as a result of this incident.
Due to the fact that Operator1 failed to keep attention as he was operating this boat, he struck and caused damage to another boat. Therefore he was cited for reckless operation of a watercraft. Operator1 had wearable PFD’s on board for he and his three passengers (5 type II’s and 1 type III), but did not have a throwable device. His boat registration was also expired (5-29-2010). He was cited additionally for both of these boating safety violations. Drugs nor alcohol were a contributing factor in this incident.


BARDID: LA-2011-0072
Date: 2011-06-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:10:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Intracoastal Waterway
NearestCityTown: Port Allen
County: West Baton Rouge
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Hull Failure
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Person Departed Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Operator's vehicle was backed on ramp with the trailer in the water.  Vessel began to sink for unknown reason and operator began to swim to shore but did not make it.  PFD's were on board, but not worn.  Imvolvement of alcohol is unknown at this time.  No alcohol found onboard.


BARDID: LA-2011-0073
Date: 2011-05-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:45:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: False River
NearestCityTown: Ventress
County: Pointe Coupee
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Restricted Vision
AccidentCause2: EXCESSIVE SPEED
AccidentCause3: OPERATOR INATTENTION
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
According to witnessess on May 29, 2011 at approximately 11:45 p.m. vessel 1, a 24' Fisher party barge (LA1309FG) and vessel 2, a 18' Express boat (LA3330FH) were involved in a boating incident.  Vessel 2 struck vessel 1 on its port side of the stern.  The passengers on vessel 1 sustained no injuries.  Vessel 2 had 3 passengers of which one was ejected.  He went to Our Lady of the Lake Hospital where he was checked out and relased with no injuries.  The operator and third passenger on board vessel 2 also sustained no injuries.  Vessel 2 sustained damage to the starboard side of the hull and a chip on the skeg of the motor.  There was no involvement of alcohol or drugs at the time of the incident.


BARDID: LA-2011-0074
Date: 2011-06-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: BARATARIA WATERWAY
NearestCityTown: LAFITTE
County: JEFFERSON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentCause2: EXCESSIVE SPEED
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Skier Mishap
RedactedNarrative:
oN 6-3-2011 AT APPROXIMATELY 4 PM IN JEFFERSON PARISH THE OPERATOR OF A VESSEL ONE WAS TOWING TWO SUBJECTS ON AN INNERTUBE BEHIND HIS VESSEL AND WAS DOING CIRCLES IN THE BARATARIA WATERWAY.  THE OPERATOR OF VESSEL TWO, AN AIRBOAT, WAS IDLING ABOUT TO DOCK AT AIRBOAT ADVENTURES AFTER COMPLETEING A SWAMP TOUR.  VESSEL ONE OPERATED TOo CLOSE TO VESSEL TWO AND THE TWO SUBJECTS ON THE INNERTUBE WERE PROPELLED INTO THE STERN OF VESSEL TWO.  B

OTH OF THE OCCUPANTS OF THE INNERTUBE WERE WEARING THEIR PFD'S AND ONE OF THEM SUFFERED A CUT FROM THE COLLISION.  AN EMPLOYEE FROM THE SWAMP TOUR JUMPED INTO THE WATER FROM THE DOCK TO ASSIST THE JUVENILE UNTIL EMS ARRIVED AT THE SCENE.  THE INJURED JUVENILE WAS THEN TRANSPORTED TO THE WEST JEFFERSON MEDICAL CENTER TO BE TREATED FOR HER INJURIES, WHICH CONSISTED OF A PUNCTURED LEG WHICH REQUIRED STITCHES.  AGENTS INVESTIGATING THE INCIDENT DID NO SUSPECT ALCOHOL OR DRUGS USE BY EITHER OF OPERATOR, BUT BOTH DRIVERS SUBMITTED TO CHEMICAL TEST, WHICH ARE PENDING ANALYSIS.  THE FINDINGS OF THE INVESTIGATION RESULTED IN THE OPERATOR OF VESSEL ONE TO BE ISSUED A CITATION OFR RS 34:851.4 CARELESS OPERATION OF A WATERCRAFT.


BARDID: LA-2011-0075
Date: 2011-06-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: BLACK BAY
NearestCityTown: DELACROIX
County: ST BERNARD
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Submerged Object
RedactedNarrative:
ON JUNE 2, 2011 AT APPROXIMATELY 10 A.M., operator AND TWO PASSENGERS WERE TRAVELING IN LA7424EZ, A 19' CENTER CONSOLE VESSEL POWERED BY A 200HP MERCURY MOTOR.  operator WAS CROSSING BLACK BAY IN PLAQUEMINES PARISH TRAVELING BETWEEN FISHING SPOTS WHEN HE STRUCK A SUBMERGED OBJECT.  THE BOAT IMMEDIATELY BEGAN TAKING ON WATER AFTER THE IMPACT.  THEY WERE ABLE TO CALL USCG BY CELL PHONE BEFORE THE VESSEL SWAMPED AND THEN CAPSIZED.  THERE WAS NO ALCOHOL ON BOARD THE VESSEL. operator WAS NOT USING THE KILL SWITCH AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT.  AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT NO ONE WAS WEARING A PFD HOWEVER THEY ALL PUT ON PFD'S AS THE VESSEL WAS FILLING WITH WATER.  THE MEN ANCHORED THE VESSEL, AND WERE AIRLIFTED BY A USCG HELICOPTER TO BELLE CHASSE NAS.  NO ONE WAS INJURED.


BARDID: LA-2011-0076
Date: 2011-05-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY
NearestCityTown: NEW ORLEANS
County: ORLEANS
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentCause2: EQUIPMENT FAILURE
EquipmentFailure: Auxiliary
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
RedactedNarrative:
On saturday, may 14, agents were notified by ldwf dispatch of a submerged boat in the intracoastal waterway in between chef pass and bayou bienvenue. Agents responded and located the vessel, and determined the vessel to be abandoned at that time.  Through investigation, agents were able to determine the owner.  Agents were able to contact owner by telephone.  Owner stated that he was in the boat earlier that morning, that he was fishing and the boat began to take on water.  He attempted to activate his bilge pump but by that time it was too late, and his boat sank.  Owner stated that a passer-by brought him back to shore, but he was unable to tow his vessel back to the marina.  Owner stated he called the coast guard and told someone about the incident, however, agents were unable to verify this with the coast guard.
No injuries were sustained. Alcohol does not seem to be a factor in the accident.  It is undetermined whether life jackets were worn or possessed.  Agents have been unable to regain contact with owner.  Agents have attempted several telephone calls with no answer.


BARDID: LA-2011-0077
Date: 2011-06-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: BARATARIA WATERWAY
NearestCityTown: LAFITTE
County: JEFFERSON
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentCause2: Force of wave/wake
AccidentCause3: Weather
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: CAPSIZING
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL 1, WITH OPERATOR AND TWO PASSENGERS ON BOARD WAS TRAVELING NORTHEAST INTO BARATARIA BAY, WHEN PASSENGERS ON BOARD THE VESSEL NOTICED WATER COMING UP FROM THE FLOOR.  THE OPERATOR STEERED TOWARDS A NATURAL GAS RIG NEARBY, BUT BEFORE REACHING THE RIG THE VESSEL'S ENGINE SHUT DOWN, AT THIS POINT THE FISHERMEN DONNED THEIR PFD'S AND PREPARED TO BE IN THE WATER.  THE VESSEL CONTINUED TO FILL WITH WATER, INEVITABLY LEADING TO IT'S SINKING AND CAPSIZING, LEAVING THE THREE FISHERMEN IN THE WATER.  THE FISHERMEN WERE THEN PICKED UP BY A NEARBY CREWBOAT AND TAKEN TO THE SATURDAY NIGHT ISLAND RIG.  ALCOHOL DOES NO APPEAR TO BE A FACTOR.


BARDID: LA-2011-0078
Date: 2011-06-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Private Pond (Jackson Parish)
NearestCityTown: Eros
County: Ouachita
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Overloading
AccidentCause2: IMPROPER LOADING
AccidentCause3: People on Gunwale, Bow, or Transom
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: CAPSIZING
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On the afternoon of June 6, 2011, three subjects, three people entered private property west of Hwy 34 in the town of Eros, in Jackson Parish.   They did not have permission to be on this property.  They entered this property to access a pond in which to swim.  All three subjects got into a 12 Brewster aluminum boat (no motor or trolling motor) and paddled into the pond.  At approximately 2 - 4 PM the boat either overturned or began to take on water (conflicting statements from survivors) and all three subjects went into the water.  It was apparent at this time that Victim could not swim, so Subject1 tried to save him.  He grabbed Victim and tried to swim with him, but due to Victim trying to pull him under, he finally got away and swam to the bank.  Victim went underwater approximately 30 feet from the bank.  After Victim went under, both Subject2 and Subject1 walked to Subject2's residence, where Subject2 changed into dry clothes.  Subject2's dad was at home, but neither he nor Subject1 said anything about Victim drowning in the pond.  After changing clothes, Subject2 and Subject1 walked to the Subject1 residence (between 4:15 - 4:30 pm) where Subject1 changed clothes and the two began watching TV.  

At this point, neither had told anybody about the drowning nor had they contacted the Jackson Parish Sheriffs Office (JPSO).  At approximately 6 pm, the mother of Subject1 arrived and told Subject2 that he needed to go home because they were going to a birthday party.  Subject2 left the subject1 residence  between 6 - 6:15.  Mother and son then left for the party at approximately 6:30pm.   Subject1 

still did not say anything about the drowning to his mother.   At approximately 6:54 pm, a 911 call was received at JPSO from Subject2 residence concerning the possible drowning.  JPSO deputies and volunteer firemen arrived at the pond.  Upon arrival, they met with Subject2 and his dad.  Subject2 was in the pond looking for Victim.  

Agents launched a boat and recovered the body of Victim approximately 30 feet from the bank at  8:50pm.  Victim's body was located on the southwest corner of the pond, the overturned boat was located on the northeast corner of the pond.  Victim's body was removed from the pond and he was pronounced dead at approximately 9:00pm,  by Jackson Parish coroner.  The body of Victim was sent to Little Rock, Arkansas for an autopsy.  I seized the boat and transported it to the Region 2 office in Monore.  The boat displayed no registration numbers nor did it have a hull ID number.  The owner of the pond of Chatham stated that the boat did not belong to her or her immediate family, and did not know who owned the boat.  

During the investigation, the primary cause (1) of the accident was overloading of the small 12' boat  (older,  thin aluminum boat with very little free board)  with three people. The secondary cause (2) was all three began rocking the boat from side to side causing it to take on water (conflicting statements among survivors) and eventually capsize. The tertiary (3) cause was improper loading of the boat by having one person sitting on the bow of the boat, causing it to sit low in the water to the point that it began to take on water.

The autopsy report was freshwater drowning.  The autopsy report is also included in this report.


BARDID: LA-2011-0080
Date: 2011-05-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:45:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE MAUREPAS
NearestCityTown: MANCHAC
County: LIVINGSTON
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous Waters
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentEvent1: Person Departed Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Operator stopped his vessel in lake maurepas so passengers could use the bathroom. As passenger entered the water the boat began to drift away from him due to strong winds. Passenger, not being a good swimmer, began having trouble staying afloat so he asked operator if he could throw him a lifevest. Operator threw the lifevest to passenger, but the lifevest was taken by the wind. Operator entered the water retrieved the lifevest and brought it over to passenger. Passenger returned to the vessel safely with the aid of the lifevest. At this time, operator began having difficulty swimming due to weather conditions. Passenger2 entered the water with a lifevest, swam over to operator, and gave him the lifevest. Passenger2 stated that operator had the lifevest in his possesion but was too weak to hold on to the lifevest and went underwater. Passenger2 made several attempts to locate operator but was unsuccessful. At this time passenger was able to put passenger2 into the vessel where they called 911. Subject was being treated for cancer and may have been under the influence of narcotic pain medicine, autopsy pending.


BARDID: LA-2011-0081
Date: 2011-06-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 06:30:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: BACK LEVEE CANAL
NearestCityTown: HOPEDALE
County: ST BERNARD
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Navigation Rules Violation
AccidentCause2: SHARP TURN
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Struck by Propeller
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
TWO VESSELS NAVIGATING AROUND A BLIND TURN, AT CRUISING SPEEDS, COLLIDE.  VESSEL 1 WAS OCCUPIED BY TWO SUBJECTS.  THE OPERATOR WAS EJECTED WITH INJURY AND LATER PASSED AWAY.  PASSENGER ON VESSEL 1 WAS SERIOUSLY INJURED AND BROUGHT TO THE HOSPITAL.  VESSEL 2 WAS OCCUPIED BY 7 SUBJECTS.   FOUR OF THE SUBJECTS WERE EJECTED.  ONE SUBJECT SUSTAINED A MINOR LEG INJURY.  AT THIS TIME ALCOHOL AND/OR DRUGS DO NOT SEEM TO BE A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR, THAT WILL BE DETERMINED UPON TOXICOLOGY RESULTS.


BARDID: LA-2011-0083
Date: 2011-06-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:45:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Dauterive
NearestCityTown: Loreauville
County: Iberia
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
On the afternoon of 6/25/11 at approximately 7:45 p.m. witnesses observed an unoccupied vessel going in circles in the middle of Lake Dauterive.  The engine of the vessel soon killed and the witnesses placed the boat on anchor and called 911.  Subject located a cell phone on board the unoccupied vessel and determined the phone belonged to Operator.  Once they ascertained the identity of the missing person, the witnesses began searching the area in an attempt to locate the subject.  They soon located a pair of sandals (Crocs) floating in the near vicinity of the anchored vessel. 

Agents were notified of the situation by Iberia Parish Sheriff's office at approximately 8:50 p.m.  We arrived on scene at approximately 9:20 p.m. and made contact with the witnesses.  Lt. spoke to another gentleman, subject2, who stated that he also observed the unoccupied vessel and hurried to the boat launch to call 911.  The aforementioned witnesses advised us of the recent happenings.  We were able to locate a GPS device aboard Operator's vessel and we followed its tracklog.  At one point along the tracklog, in close proximity to where the vessel was originally located, the vessel appeared to make a 90 degree starboard turn.  We elected to begin dragging body drags at this location and continued to do so until approximately 2:00 a.m. on 6/26/11 at which time we postponed the search until after sunrise.  

On 6/26/11 at approximately 8:00 a.m. we resumed our search efforts with the assistance of the Iberia Parish Sheriff's office and the St. Martin Parish Sheriff's office.  At approximately 12:45 p.m. the body of Operator was located.  We brought the body aboard the vessel and transported the body to the landing where the Iberia Parish Coronor was on scene.  The body was transported to Iberia Medical Center where members of the Coroner's office performed an initial assessment of the body.  Lt. and I arrived at the Coroner's office and were told the body had no visible signs of injury.  We were also told that an autopsy would be performed at which time a full toxicology screening would be conducted.  This report will be available within 8-12 weeks.


BARDID: LA-2011-0084
Date: 2011-07-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:15:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: BARATARIA WATERWAY
NearestCityTown: LAFITTE
County: JEFFERSON
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Improper Loading
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: CAPSIZING
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL #1(AL-6442-LL) WAS TRAVELING SOUTH IN THE BARATARIA WATERWAY NEAR THE TOWN OF LAFITTE, LOCATED IN JEFFERSON PARISH.  THE VESSEL WAS OCCUPIED BY TWO OTHER SUBJECTS.  THE OUTBOARD MOTOR STALLED AND THE VESSEL BEGAN TAKING ON WATER FROM THE SELF- BAILING BAFFLES LOCATED IN THE TRANSOM OF THE VESSEL. THE VESSEL FILLED WITH WATER AND CAPSIZED. NO PFDS WERE USED AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. NO ONE ABOARD THE VESSEL SUSTAINED ANY TYPE OF INJURIES. DRUGS NOR ALCOHOL WAS A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR OF THE INCIDENT.


BARDID: LA-2011-0085
Date: 2011-06-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:05:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Bayou Nezpique
NearestCityTown: Jennings
County: Jefferson Davis - 27
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentCause2: NAVIGATION RULES VIOLATION
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Fixed Object
AccidentEvent2: GROUNDING
RedactedNarrative:
This was a single vessel crash involving two (2) occupants in the vessel.  The vessel was a 17' Tidecraft powered by 150 Evinrude motor that was controlled by rermote steering, vessel # LA 2611 EC.  The occupants were fishing on Bayou Nezpique north of Hwy 97.  The operator was seated at the helm located on the starboard side aft of the beam.  The passenger was seated on the port side seat just forward of the beam.  The operator had anchored out from the starboard side at the beam.  The operator started making way without pulling up his anchor.  The operator began dragging his anchor as he slowly went on plane.  The operator raised his hands up to block the anchor line from hitting his face.  The vessel veered towards the port side when the operator took his hands off the controls to block the anchor line from hitting him.  The vessel then impacted a tree within the bayou and continued to travel until it hit a second tree where the vessel was grounded and came to rest.   Wearable PFD's were aboard the vessel but were not being worn at the time of this crash.  The vessel received severe damage from the bow to the beam on the starboard side, moderate damage on the port side gunwale aft of the beam, scratches on the port side and underneath the vessel, and a cracked transom.  There was no evidence that suggested that alcohol or drugs were used.    Citation D 540240 was issued to operator for Careless Operation.


BARDID: LA-2011-0086
Date: 2011-07-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 07:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: 4 mile cut
NearestCityTown: Intracoastal City
County: Vermillion - 57
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Hull Failure
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INATTENTION
AccidentCause3: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: CAPSIZING
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was cruising south on the 4 mile cut in his 25' commercial shrimp vessel with his family.  This vessel had remote steering. They were not engaged in commercial activity at this time.  A passenger then advised him of water in the stern of the vessel. As he slowed down the vessel, water rushed forward, towards the bow and into the cabin.  At that time the vessel was stopped and continued to take on water, then capsized.  A wake from a crewboat passing by aiding in the vessel capsizing.  There were five youths onboard this vessel under the age of 17 that were all wearing their PFD's at the time of the incident.  Operator and his wife were not wearing their PFDs which were accessible, but floated away before they could be donned.  Four of the children escaped the capsized vessel.  Operator had to assist his wife and the youngest child out of the submerged vessel.   These two subjects inhaled some water, but were conscious when brought to the surface.  The 3 year old youth was brought to a hospital for further examination, in which she was x-rayed, then prescribed antibiotics to prevent infection for possible residual water in her lungs.  No alcohol or drugs were involved with this incident.


BARDID: LA-2011-0088
Date: 2011-06-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 01:15:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE ST JOHN
NearestCityTown: FERRIDAY
County: CONCORDIA
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INATTENTION
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Fixed Object
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On June 26, 2011, operator left *The Dock* bar on Lake St. John driving a 17' Bayline Cruise boat with 5 passengers.  Operator admitted having several drinks that evening at the bar.  Operator stated that they were going to alligator alley on the north end of Lake St. John.  Operator left the bar and headed due east across the Lake.  Operator stated that he saw some navigation light from other boats and thought he was traveling down the center of the Lake.  The vessel made contact with several trees on the east side of the lake.  Four passengers were ejected into the water.  No PDF's were used at the time of the crash.  All subjects were rescued by other vessels in a short amount of time and transported to the Spokane Landing.   The boat was heavily damaged on the bow area due to several impacts with trees.  The boat was abandoned until the next morning when Sr. Agent recovered it.  The boat had a column steering wheel with an inboard/outboard motor.  After an investigation, contributing factors in the crash were alcohol, reckless operation of the vessel and operator inattention.


BARDID: LA-2011-0089
Date: 2011-01-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mermentau River
NearestCityTown: Lake Arthur
County: Cameron - 12
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Restricted Vision
AccidentCause2: Force of wave/wake
AccidentCause3: SUDDEN MEDICAL CONDITION
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Operator1 and father were anchored out along the Mermentau River engaged in fishing.  The boat, vessel #1 (LA 1958 FA) was tied off from both bow and stern  to two separate pipes which were buried in the river bottom.
     Vessel #1 was approached by a commercial crabbing vessel (LA 0312 SK) which was throwing a large wake.  The wake of vessel #2 jerked vessel #1 against its mooring lines, causing both occupants of vessel #1 to be thrown from the vessel.  Both of the occupants of vessel #1 managed to climb back into their vessel and get underway back to the landing.  Vessel #2 did not see that they had caused the incident and proceeded north in the Mermentau River.  It was eventually found out by investigators that the operator of vessel #2 stated that he had never seen the vessel #1 because of a sporadic treeline along the river, blocking his view of vessel #1.  While underway the short distance (approximately one mile) back to the landing occupant, while speaking to operator1, suffered an attack and became incoherent and unresponsive.  Upon reaching the landing operator called 911 and the Cameron Sheriff Office sent medical assistance to Myers Landing to meet Vessel #1.  Ground and air medical ambulances were dispatched to the scene where victim was pronounced dead on the scene.  Alcohol was not suspected to be a factor.  Neither occupant was wearing a PFD.  This was not a factor as both subjects were able to re-board the vessel after the incident.  The Calcasieu Corner's Office performed an autopsy and the results stated that the manner of death was accidential; however, the conclusion stated that the fall into the lake was the precipitating event which led the heart attack and ultimately to his death.


BARDID: LA-2011-0090
Date: 2011-07-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:45:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: RED RIVER CUT
NearestCityTown: SHAW
County: CONCORDIA
WaterConditions: Very Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentCause2: Force of wave/wake
AccidentCause3: HAZARDOUS WATERS
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Submerged Object
AccidentEvent2: CAPSIZING
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
For subjects launched an 18' aluminum hull vessel into Red River Cut in Concordia Parish.  The vessel was being operated east bound towards the U.S. Corps of Engineers Water Control Structure in extremely turbullent waters and strong current.  As a result of operating the vessel into this water, an unknown obstruction struck the engine of this vessel, stopping the engine and pulling this vessel and passengers into even stronger currents and turbullent waters.  Three of the passengers were wearing PFD's and as this vessel capsized, they made it to safety while the operator was not wearing a PFD and eventually drowned.  This vessel was propelled by a Mercury 90 HP outboard motor.  Alcohol or drugs is not suspected as a contributing factor in this accident.


BARDID: LA-2011-0091
Date: 2011-05-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:30:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Grand Lake
NearestCityTown: Klondike
County: Cameron - 12
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous Waters
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Person Departed Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Operator and passenger were traveling south in Grand Lake.  They were in a 14' vessel with a 25 HP Tiller handle outboard.  The seas state on this day was 1'-3' waves.  Operator stated that it started to get rough, and the vessel was taking on some water.  They came down to an idle speed, and attempted to turn around.  When they made the turn, a wave hit the vessel, and began to flood the vessel.  The operator stated that he took off his PFD, and jumped into the water to keep the vessel from sinking.  He stated that the passenger did the same.  The operator then reached over and gave the motor some gas, and began steering it towards shallow water while hanging onto the side.  Operator stated that the passenger was swimming behind him towards the bank.  The operator drove the vessel into the shallows where the outboard was dragging bottom.  He then attempted to bail out the vessel.  The operator stated that he had pulled the plug on the vessel while he was running to drain some of the water out of  it.  Operator stated that he then got back into the vessel to return to get the passenger.  Operator stated that he forgot to put the plug in, so his vessel began taking on water.  The vessel then became flooded with water, and the operator got out of the vessel.  At this point, he could not see the passenger of the vessel.  He called a friend, who was close by, and they began looking for the passenger.  They were not able to locate the passenger.  The operator then called another vessel to come assist, and that vessel contacted LDWF.  Operator stated that both he and the passenger were wearing PFD's and that he was wearing his ignition safety switch while operating the vessel.  SFST was performed on the operator, and found no signs of intoxication.  The size of the vessel the subjects were in was inadequate for the conditions on the lake during their outing, causing the vessel to take on water and become flooded.  


BARDID: LA-2011-0096
Date: 2011-06-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:15:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Bayou Black
NearestCityTown: Gibson
County: Terrebonne
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Machinery Failure
MachineryFailure: Throttle
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Fixed Object
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was traveling northeast in Bayou Black towards the bridge where Hwy 182 crosses the bayou. Operator pulled his throttle back to come off of step in order to go under the bridge. When he did so, his throttle was stuck in gear and the boat did not come off of step initially. The throttle, which was a hotfoot, finally released and the boat began to come off step. As it did, the bow came up in the air. The trolling motor on the front of the vessel hit the underside of the bridge. The trolling motor was ripped up from the front of the bow. The head of the trolling motor was broken, and there was some fiberglass damage where the bolts were pulled from the fiberglass. Operator was not injured. He was wearing a type III PFD with the kill lanyard attached to his PFD. Operator estimated that his vessel was going 10mph or less as it was coming down off of step. Operator stated that he let off of the throttle and attempted to come off step 200-300 ft. from the bridge. He also advised agents that his vessel had had work done on it two  times prior because of the throttle sticking and supposedly had been fixed the last time. Through investigation, it was decided that the accident was caused by mechanical issues and not careless operation by Operator. Operator was not issued any citations.


BARDID: LA-2011-0098
Date: 2011-07-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:45:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: BAYOU SEGNETTE
NearestCityTown: WESTWEGO
County: Jefferson - 26
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Excessive Speed
AccidentCause2: SHARP TURN
AccidentCause3: NAVIGATION RULES VIOLATION
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
AccidentEvent2: CAPSIZING
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 07/09/2011 at approximately 7:45 p.m. on bayou segnette in jefferson parish two vessels were occupied by one occupant and operating at approximately 30 mph. Vessel 1 was underway in a south direction and vessel 2 was underway in a north direction both in bayou segnette, when they met in a sharp turn, vessel 2 was on his starboard shoreline and vessel 1 was approaching head on, at which time vessel 2 turned to his port to avoid head on collision, and vessel 1 turned to his starboard moments later which caused a collision where vessel 1 struck vessel 2 in a bow to starboard quarter collision. At this time of the collision the smaller vessel, vessel 1, turned over and capsized and the operator was ejected.  Agents arrived at the location and rendered help on the scene at approximately 8 p.m.  agents took a witness statement, measured damage areas to both vessels, took photographs, witnessed a gps track line on vessel 2, and gave both operators incident reports to complete. No injuries were sustained by either subject, pfd's were present and the operator of  vessel 2 was wearing his at the time the incident occurred, kill switches were used, and drugs and alcohol were no detected in either operator.  Vessel 1 sustained a hole in the hull and broken console and vessel 2 sustained a broken steering cable and a section of crushed fiberglass on the hull.  Agents believe the contributing factor of the accident was excessive speed in the sharp turn and rules of the road rule 8, action to avoid collision.  After reviewing all of the evidence and incident forms from both operators ldwf agents issued the operator of vessel 1 a citation for rs 34:851.4 careless operation of a watercraft.


BARDID: LA-2011-0099
Date: 2011-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:15:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Gulf of Mexico/Belle Pass
NearestCityTown: Grand Isle
County: Lafourche
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentCause2: EXCESSIVE SPEED
AccidentCause3: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On July 3, 2011, at approximately 4:50 pm, I, Agent was notified by Lt. that a boating accident had occurred in Lafourche Parish. He advised that Lafourche Parish SO, LPSO water patrol was working the accident and that I would need to get in touch with Sgt.. I contacted and informed Sgt. that I was currently on the water in Terrebonne Parish but would be enroute immediately.  I remained in contact with Sgt. and arrived in time to meet him along with the subjects who were onboard vessel LA6611FP (Vessel 1) when they arrived back at the public boat launch in Fourchon, at approximately 7:30 pm.  I collected all the vessel information as well as personal information on the operator.  Vessel 1 was a 20' aluminum hull center console Lake Sport with remote steering on a 115 four strokeYamaha.  The operator stated that he, his girlfriend, and her daughter were fishing on the outer edge of Belle Pass when he felt the boat being drawn into a large wave. He attempted to pull the anchor to free the boat, but the boat overturned prior to his being able to. He and the other two occupants were thrown into the water when the boat overturned. He was able to make out an approximate description of the vessel (Vessel 2) that had caused the wake before ensuring the safety of his passengers. 

Investigation including statements by operator of Vessel 1 , LPSO, and Fourchon Harbor Police concluded there were approximately three vessels that could potentially be responsible. LPSO escorted Operator1 to the three potential vessels, and he was able to identify the Megan Jolie as Vessel 2. Corresponding time of entry in Belle Pass, direction of travel, and the indicated point at which Vessel 2 throttled back helped to accurately identify the Megan Jolie as the vessel which caused the wake that overturned Vessel 1. The Megan Jolie is a 165' crew boat US documentation number 1144642 manufactured by Midship powered by four Caterpillar diesels with remote steering. The captain stated that he never observed Vessel while entering into the pass nor did he see it capsize. PFD's were not in use, and no drugs or alcohol appeared to be involved. Operator2 was issued a citation for careless operation.


BARDID: LA-2011-0100
Date: 2011-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: North Pelba
NearestCityTown: Henderson
County: St Martin
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Submerged Object
RedactedNarrative:
On July 3, 2011 at approximately 5 p.m operator was driving his vessel (TX7875-JZ) south in North Pelba (an area he had never driven a vessel in before.)  At this time the vessel struck a submerged piling.  The piling put two 4 inch holes in the bottom of the vessel, bent the propeller shaft, bent the propeller, bent the rudder, and damaged the packing on the propeller shaft.  No one onboard the vessel was injuried.  The vessel had all the required safety equipment including PFD's (PFD's were not worn.)  There are several pilings in the area that are normally out of the water and visible.  Because of the flooding of the Atchafalaya Basin, the water levels are much higher than normal.  The fact that operator had no experience operating a vessel in this area and the high water levels are the contributing factors to the boating accident.


BARDID: LA-2011-0101
Date: 2011-07-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: SOUTH PASS
NearestCityTown: VENICE
County: PLAQUEMINES
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Missing or Inadequate Navigation Aids
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 07/01/2011, at 10:22 a.m., wildlife agents were on truck patrol in plaquemines parish.  While on patrol, the agents received a phone call from the plaquemines parish sheriffs office concerning a single vessel boat incident.  The agents were told that the vessel had run aground in south pass. The vessel had 4 people on it when it went aground.  The agents were also informed that one subject had facial injuries.  The agents picked up a paramedic and two ppso officers in venice and headed to the incident location.  Once on scene the agents were notified that the uscg had a paramedic on the vessel and that a helicopter was in route to evac the injured passenger.  At 12:39 p.m., the uscg helicopter removed the injured passenger and flew him and his brother (the boat owner and operator) to west jefferson medical center.  After the helicopter left the scene, the agents approached the vessel to talk to the two remaining passengers.  The agents were told that ap approximately 8:00 a.m., the vessel was running at approximately 25 knots inside the marked channel.  The operator was favoring the right side of the channel.  The vessel came to a sudden stop when it ran aground on a sand bar inside of the marked channel. The injured passenger was sitting in a chair on the port side of the vessel.  The chair was near the stem of the vessel.  When the vessel hit the sand bar, the passenger flew from the chair and made contact with a fiberglass bulkhead near the center of the vessel.  The other 3 passengers escaped injury.  During the course of the investigation, it appeared that drugs or alcohol were not a factor in the incident, and the vessel had all the required safety equipment including pfd's for every passenger on the vessel.


BARDID: LA-2011-0102
Date: 2011-07-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:45:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: TCHEFUNCTE RIVER
NearestCityTown: MADISONVILLE
County: St. Tammany - 52
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Force of Wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On, July 2,2011 at approximately 1545, a single vessel incident resulting in one injury occurred on Tchefuncte River. The vessel, which will be referred to as vessel 1, was a 14’ sea-doo inboard powered jet drive boat(MI-5123-BP). At the time of the incident, vessel 1 had three people on board. Operator was seated in the seat at the operator’s station. Son was seated in a rear facing seat ahead of and to port of the operator’s seat. Wife was seated in the rear facing seat in the bow of the vessel 1. Prior to the incident, vessel one was headed up river near Triniry Marine at approximately 30-35 mph. Vessel 1 hit the wake of one or more passing boats. The impact caused the boat to jar and caused wife to be thrown from the bow seat to the floor of the boat. As a result of the incident Wife sprained her ankle and was transported to Lake View Regional Medical Center, where she was treated for her injuries. Neither alcohol nor drugs either caused or contributed to this incident. Operator was wearing the kill switch lanyard, and son III was wearing a type III PFD. No damage was done to the boat or any property. No further.


BARDID: LA-2011-0103
Date: 2011-07-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:30:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Claiborne
NearestCityTown: Homer
County: Claiborne - 14
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Restricted Vision
AccidentCause2: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Submerged Object
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was operating (driving) his mother's boat, LA4844FX, on Lake Claiborne along the thousand foot channel.  Weather was clear and wind was calm at night, with fair visibility.  Note, Lake Claiborne is low from water evaporation from little rain and high temperatures. Operator said, I struck a stump in the channel which knocked a hole in the aluminum boat, along a weld, and broke the prop shaft into.  Officer with Claiborne Sheriff's Office confirmed statement as accurate.  Other than damage caused by the stump, vessel was in good working order.  No drugs or alcohol contributed to incident.


BARDID: LA-2011-0105
Date: 2011-06-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Twelve Mile Bayou
NearestCityTown: Shreveport
County: Caddo
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Improper Loading
AccidentCause2: OVERLOADING
AccidentCause3: OPERATOR INEXPERIENCE
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
We arrived on scene at approximately 2:15 p.m.  I made contact with Caddo Sheriff's Office Marine Patrol. Lt. stated that subject had contacted CPSO Dispatch about a small jon boat adrift on Twelve Mile Bayou at approximately 8:30 a.m. on 6/23/11.  Lt. stated that she arrived on scene at approxmiately 9:15 a.m. and located the jon boat.  The boat was partially submerged and had come to rest in a partially submerged tree top.  Lt. pulled the vessel to the bank and observed a dark colored Dodge truck parked at the top of the bank.  She observed what appeared to be drag marks from the back of the truck to the water.  

Deputies were dispatched to Victim's residence.  At the residence they made contact with Victim's wife who had reported him missing to Shreveport Police Department, Report #: P11136.  Victim’s wife advised that her husband had left home to go fishing between 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. on 6/22/11.  She stated that she had not had any contact with him since that time.  Victim’s wife stated that her husband had several medical issues and that it was out of character for him not to make contact with her.  At this time it was also determined that Victim did indeed have a small jon boat.  Sr. Agt. and I photographed the vessel and did not observe any signs of a collision or foul play.  The vessel was a 10' 2" long jon boat with a 30" bottom.  We also did not see any floating debris in the water or any sign of a PFD.  CPSO Dive Team searched the area for several hours until the team was exhausted.  The search was called off at 7:40 p.m.  A plan was coordinated to meet up at the Stoner Boat Launch on Red River the next morning to resume the search.  The next morning, 6/24/11 at approxmately 6:30 a.m. while enroute to the boat launch Lt. crossed over Twelve Mile Bayou on La. Hwy. 538 and observed what appeared to be a body floating in the water.  Sgt. arrived on scene at approximately 7:00 a.m. and located the body.  The victim was then transported to the Common Street Boat Launch and turned over to the Caddo Parish Coroner.  At this time we are waiting on the coroner's report as to the cause of death and any signs of alcohol or drug use by the victim.


BARDID: LA-2011-0106
Date: 2011-07-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Caney Lake
NearestCityTown: Chatman
County: Jackson
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Force of Wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Skier Mishap
RedactedNarrative:
On July 9th, 2011 at approximately 6:30pm, Jackson Parish Sheriff Deputy informed me of a boating accident in which one person involved received a broken leg.  He stated that there were no sign of alcohol usage and that the injured party and his family members were transported to St. Francis Medical Center in Monroe.  I made telephone contact with the victim’s mother and she was not aboard the boat at the time of the accident and that operator had been operating the vessel when the accident occurred.  operator was in the waiting room and I made contact with him and asked what happened.  He told that he was pulling 3 passengers on a tube at the mouth of Smith Branch when the tube hit a wake, went slightly airborne, and cause victim leg to protrude a short ways outside the tube and was injured when the tube made contact with the water.

After receiving voluntary statements from all parties abroad the vessel at the time of the accident, I determined that the force of the wake was the primary cause.  operator advised me that all the occupants were wearing PFDs and I did any signs of alcohol and/or drugs which would have contributed to the incident.


BARDID: LA-2011-0107
Date: 2011-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake D'Arbonne
NearestCityTown: Farmerville
County: Union
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inexperience
AccidentCause2: EXCESSIVE SPEED
AccidentCause3: NAVIGATION RULES VIOLATION
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On the afternoon of July 4, 2011, Operator, and her dad was each riding PWC’s in the King’s Lake Cove of Lake D’Arbonne.  At approximately 3:30pm, they were riding side by side approximately 15 feet apart, with Operator being on the left and Dad on the right.  As Operator passed Dad, he made an abrupt turn to the left, hitting the PWC operated by Operator on the rear Starboard side of her PWC.  The impact crushed the rub rail and upper hull of her PWC and put a severe crack in the lower hull.  There was significant damage to the port side of the PWC operated by Dad, including a crack to the upper hull, a crushed rub rail, and a cracked lower hull.  Neither was injured.  On the morning of July 5, Senior Agent as notified of the accident.  Both PWC’s were located at a fiberglass repair shop in West Monroe.  We met with  Operator, the husband of Operator.  We photographed the damaged PWC’s and gave  Operator a boating incident report to give his wife.  Due to Dad residing north of Shreveport, Sgt.  contacted Lt.in Region 1 and requested an agent from their area provide Dad with a boating incident report.  Both Operator and  Dad returned the reports.

After reviewing the reports, it was determined that  Dad was at fault.  In his report, he states that he only has approximately 10 hours of operating time on a PWC. The primary cause of the accident (#1) was operator inexperience.  The secondary (#2) cause of the accident was careless/reckless operation due to the fact that Dad was operating in close proximity to another PWC and he made a sharp left hand turn causing an accident with significant damage to two PWC’s.  The tertiary (3) cause of the accident was the speed in which Dad was operating, did not allow him to stop or make any maneuvers to avoid the accident.  It was also determined that Operator was not a fault due to the fact that she was on the left of Dad (passing situation-rules of the road) and was maintaining course and speed at the time of the incident.  There was no drug or alcohol use suspected.


BARDID: LA-2011-0109
Date: 2011-07-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: MISSISSIPPI RIVER
NearestCityTown: BATON ROUGE
County: EAST BATON ROUGE
WaterConditions: Choppy
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous Waters
AccidentCause2: OVERLOADING
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: SINKING
RedactedNarrative:
On July 24th, 2011, family members reported to the Louisiana wildlife and Fisheries Law Enforcement Division (LDWF/LED) agents that two people had left to go on a fishing trip in the Mississippi River on the evening of July 23, 2011 and failed to return home. A single witness was located and reported that he had observed the two men departing the public boat launch located near the Mississippi River I-10 Bridge in Baton Rouge, La. The two men reportedly launched a fourteen (14) foot, aluminum, flat bottomed vessel equipped with a tiller steered engine. The subjects were both subsequently found deceased and floating in the river, downstream from the Mississippi River Bridge. 

Both subjects are believed to have drowned while the exact circumstances leading to their deaths are unknown, it is reasonable to presume that at some point during their voyage they encountered a sudden catastrophic situation wherein their vessel is likely to have taken on water and sank. The vessel has not been located to date. It was determined that neither man was wearing a PFD at the time this event occurred. Large barge and ship traffic on the Mississippi River regularly create large wakes resulting in hazardous situations for smaller vessels. It is the opinion of the investigating agent that the vessel used was inadequate for conditions commonly experienced in this area of the river. Also noted is the fact that several thunderstorms were reported in the area later that evening. It has not been determined that alcohol was a factor in this event.


BARDID: LA-2011-0110
Date: 2011-07-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:59:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: TANGIPAHOA RIVER
NearestCityTown: PONCHATOULA
County: TANGIPAHOA
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Sharp Turn
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INATTENTION
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was headed up Tangipahoa River towards Hwy 22; vessel 2 was headed down Tangipahoa River towards Lake Ponchartrain. Vessels met in a hard curve to the right for vessel 2 and curve to the left for vessel 1. Vessel 2 struck vessel 1 in the portside approximately six to eight feet from the bow at approximately a forty-five degree angle. Vessel 2 then continued up and onto the windshield of vessel 1. The driver of vessel 1 received lacerations to his face. The driver of vessel 2 received lacerations to his arms and side of his head. Passengers in vessel two received minor cuts and abrasions. One passenger in vessel 2 received bruises to his lower back due to being thrown into the fixed canopy on vessel 2. Both vessels were equipped with the required boating safety equipment. No alcohol or drugs were involved. No kill cords were equipped or used in either vessel. There was one subject in vessel 1, and three subjects in vessel 2 including the operator. Engine serial number on vessel 2 could not be located.


BARDID: LA-2011-0111
Date: 2011-07-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:45:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: East Fork of Calcasieu River
NearestCityTown: LeBleu
County: Calcasieu - 10
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was attempting to start motor of vessel, LA 4862 EX, a 22 foot deck boat powered by a 150 HP Johnson motor controlled by remote steering.  After several failed attempts, he went to the stern of vessel, pumped the fuel bulb and retightened the battery connections.  He attempted to start the vessel again and it did not start.  He attempted one more time, and fire erupted towards the bow of the vessel.  Operator was able to get off of the vessel with no injuries, the vessel sustained severe fire damage from directly in front of the operators position forward.  Operator was not wearing a PFD or the safety cutoff lanyard at the time of the incident.  Operator was starting the vessel before he launched it from the trailer.


BARDID: LA-2011-0113
Date: 2011-07-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Verret
NearestCityTown: Lake Verrett
County: Assumption
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Skier Mishap
RedactedNarrative:
On 7/10/11, I, Sgt. was notified by dispatch of a boating incident which had occurred in Assumption Parish. After interviewing the operator and the passengers it was learned that the skier of vessel 1 performed an ariel stunt (360 degree jump) causing slack in the tow rope.  When the slack in the rope was tightened quickly it pulled arm out of socket. victim was transported to Teche Regional Hospital in Morgan City.  Field sobriety was performed on the operator and there was no sign of alcohol or drugs involved. PFD's were not worn by the operator or the passengers, but the skier was wearing a pfd at the time of the incident.


BARDID: LA-2011-0114
Date: 2011-07-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 00:30:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Red River
NearestCityTown: Bossier City
County: Bossier - 8
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INEXPERIENCE
AccidentCause3: Restricted Vision
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Fixed Object
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel traveling on Red River after midnight on July 19, 2011, when it ran underneath a log protruding from the end of a rock revetment, whereupon operator was hit in the facial area and ejected.  Vessel continued in a wide arc and ran completely aground on the opposite side of the river.  Upon impact, the passenger was thrown to the front of the vessel, rendering her unconscious with severe facial fractures.  Passenger awoke sometime later and found a person on local hiking trail to render assistance.  Passenger was transported to LSU Medical Center in Shreveport, LA with severe head trama.  Body of operator was recovered sometime later that morning.  Both persons were wearing approved PFD's - alcohol is not suspected to be a factor.


BARDID: LA-2011-0115
Date: 2011-08-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:40:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Vermilion River
NearestCityTown: Intracoastal City
County: Vermillion - 57
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: People on Gunwale, Bow, or Transom
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INEXPERIENCE
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Submerged Object
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
operator and two (2) passengers were traveling on step North up the Vermillion River in a 19' homemade vessel with a 60 HP motor equipped with tiller steering.  operator and one (1) of his passengers were riding on the gunwales of the vessel while the other passenger was sitting in a folding chair in the middle of the vessel towards the bow.  operator had never driven a tiller steering vessel before.  The motor on vessel struck a submerged unknown object causing him and both passengers to fall overboard.  Operator was wearing his engine cutoff switch lanyard.  Neither operator nor any of his passengers were wearing PFD's.   operator swallowed some water and was having trouble breathing and was transported to Abbeville General Hospital where he was treated and release.   There were no damage to the vessel.    No alcohol was involved with this accident.


BARDID: LA-2011-0116
Date: 2011-07-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: MRGO
NearestCityTown: SHELL BEACH
County: ST BERNARD
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
RedactedNarrative:
SUBJECT WAS OPERATING VESSEL LA 5148 ES A 17' SUNDANCE IN THE MRGO LOCATED IN ST BERNARD PARISH.  SUBJECT'S OUTBOARD (90 HP EVINRUDE) IMPACTED SUBMERGED ROCKS NEAR THE SHORE CAUSING SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO THE LOWER UNIT AND PROPELLER.  THE VESSEL IS A CENTER CONSOLE WITH REMOTE STEERING.  SUBJECT WAS WEARING A PFD AT THE TIME OF THE COLLISION SUBJECT WAS NOT DRINKING ALCOHOL. A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR IS OPERATOR INATTENTION.


BARDID: LA-2011-0117
Date: 2011-07-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: RED RIVER
NearestCityTown: MARKSVILLE
County: AVOYELLES
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Improper Lookout
AccidentCause2: EXCESSIVE SPEED
AccidentEvent1: Skier Mishap
RedactedNarrative:
operator was operting his vessel in the Red River and was towing three persons on a tube while making a turn, the tube was swung towards a buoy floating in the river.  One of the passengers on the tube fell off and struck her head on the buoy causing minor to moderate injuries.  All passengers were wearing PFD's.  The operator failed to maintain a proper lookout and was cited for operating a watercraft in a reckless manner.


BARDID: LA-2011-0119
Date: 2011-07-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: SALINE BAYOU
NearestCityTown: ST. MAURICE
County: WINN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Restricted Vision
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INATTENTION
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Fixed Object
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On July 16, 2011, operator, owner and one person launched a new 15' Express, aluminum boat powered by a 25 HP outboard motor at the St. Maurice boat launch into Saline Bayou.  They headed north on Saline Bayou without any of the occupants wearing their PFDs or the operator attaching his lanyard cutoff switch on the outboard motor, as required by state law when operating a Class A vessel with a tiller steering outboard.  Owner was sitting on the bow of the boat, attempting to untangle lines from several fishing yo-yo's.  Occupant1 was sitting on the middle seat of the vessel texting her father on her cell phone.  Operator was operating the boat with restricted vision, due to Owner sitting on the bow of the vessel.
    At approximately 7 P.M., the vessel's bow struck two stumps just west of the middle of the bayou.  Owner was ejected from the vessel into the water.  Occupant1 was thrown forward, cutting her head, just above her left eye, on the side of the boat.  Operator was also thrown forward hitting his head resulting in several minor cuts.  The boat continued forward, until Owner yelled for Operator to kill the motor.  Owner got back into the boat and they returned to the landing, approximately 2.59 miles.  Owner contacted the Winn Parish Sheriff's Dept. at approximately 7:40 P.M. and reported the accident, then drove himself and Occupant1 to the Winn Parish Medical Center in Winnfield.
     I interviewed the three occupants of the vessel, upon my arrival to the Winn Medical Center.  Upon speaking with the operator I did not detect any odor of alcoholic beverages nor did I observe was bottled water.  Each occupants account of what happened leading up to the accident was basically the same.  Owner was facing south at the time of impact and Occupant1 was looking at her cell phone at the time of impact.
     The new boat contained three type III PFDs and two Type IV PFDs.  The 25 HP Evinrude was equippd with a Kill Switch.  Neither Operator of Owner had any formal boating education as required by law for their age.
     Owner boat was taken to the Louisiana Wildlife Facility in Woodworth, La. for further investigation.


BARDID: LA-2011-0120
Date: 2011-08-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: RED RIVER
NearestCityTown: PINEVILLE
County: RAPIDES
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Navigation Rules Violation
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Struck by Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 8-6-11 at approximately 3:18 P.M. agents received complaint of a two vessel accident on Red River north of Alexandria.  Agents found that two people were operating PWCs when v1 struck v2 causing operator2 to be injured and transferred to Rapides Medical Center.  The cause of accident was due to the men were operating too close together in a reckless manner.  Both men were wearing PFDs at the time of the accident.  Both men had kill switch lanyards in use at the time of the accident.  Both men were cited for violating La. R.S. 34:851.5, Reckless Operation of Watercraft.

Motors are listed in cc and a hp conversion is not listed in the specific box for hp.  The motor for Vessel #1 is 951 cc and the motor for Vessel #2 is 503 cc.


BARDID: LA-2011-0121
Date: 2011-08-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Vermilion Bay/Bayou Pierre
NearestCityTown: Lydia
County: Iberia
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Equipment Failure
AccidentCause2: MACHINERY FAILURE
MachineryFailure: Electrical
EquipmentFailure: Auxiliary
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
RedactedNarrative:
On August 20, 2011 at approximately 6:30 p.m., Vessel LA-8179FX was traveling North in Vermilion Bay.  Vessel LA8179FX is a Sea Doo jet drive vessel, driven by a steering wheel.  The vessel was occupied by two subjects, which were wearing their PFD's .  The passenger and owner opened the floor compartment to retrieve the anchor and noticed an unusual amount of water.  He then opened the engine compartment and saw that the stern of the vessel was taking on water, approximately 5 inches.  The vessel's bilge pump was not working.  owner then jumped overboard to check the drain plugs which were both still securely crewed in place. The operator then headed to the nearest shoreline for safety.  operator killed the engine after hearing the warning buzzer.  The subjects noticed that more water was entering the vessel than they were bailing out.  The subjects then called 911 for assistance.  operator started the vessel again and began heading to Bayou Pirre for shallower water.  At the time, the vessel had only inches of freeboard. The engines electrical system and engine was completely submerged with saltwater.  No use of alcohol.  Fault of equipment and machinery was a major contributing factor of the incident.


BARDID: LA-2011-0123
Date: 2011-08-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Decade
NearestCityTown: Houma
County: Terrebonne
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Excessive Speed
AccidentCause2: SHARP TURN
AccidentCause3: OPERATOR INEXPERIENCE
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 8/21/2011, Sgt. received a call from the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office regarding a single vessel accident. Sgt. was notified that the operator of the vessel, had sustained a neck injury and was being transported via ambulance to Thibodaux General Hospital. Sgt. headed to the landing at Falgout Canal to photograph & collect evidence from the vessel involved. Lt. proceeded to the hospital to interview Operator.  Operator advised agents that she was operating a PWC (Personal Watercraft) in Lake Decade. Operator was wearing a PFD & also had the kill lanyard attached. Operator stated that she drank about 3 12oz. bud light beers earlier in the day.  She also stated that her brother was also on board the PWC. Operator stated that she made a sharp turn while cruising which caused both her and her brother to be thrown off of the PWC.  She was complaining of severe neck pain, and was transported to Thibodaux General Hospital via ambulance. Agents advised Operator of her rights and she gave consent to give a blood sample (taken by registered nurse at Thibodaux General Hospital). Operator also stated that she had 5-10 hours of experience operating a PWC.  Agents then determined that the contributing factors to the accident were a combination of operator inexperience (subjects on board were thrown off watercraft due to a sharp turn), and excessive speed (if subject would have been traveling at appropriate speed and taking a sharp turn they would not have been ejected from the watercraft). Agent issued Operator a citation for Wreckless Operation of a Watercraft. The blood sample will be taken to the state police crime lab to determine if Operator was under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs (pending).


BARDID: LA-2011-0124
Date: 2011-08-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: SALINE BAYOU
NearestCityTown: DEVILLE
County: RAPIDES
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Submerged Object
AccidentEvent2: Person Struck by Propeller
RedactedNarrative:
On August 13, 2011, at approximately 3:50 P.M., LDWF Dispatcher reported a boating accident involving one vessel on Saline Bayou in Rapides Parish.  Lt. responded to the Open Bayou Landing on Saline Bayou. Sgt. responded to Rapides Regional Hospital in Alexandria.  Upon arrival, we made contact with the operator of the vessel and his wife.  Operator stated he was not injured, but informed us that his wife was struck by the outboard motor when it was knocked loose from the transom after hitting a submerged stump.  We were informed that she received several lacerations on her back from the propeller on the outboard motor.  The impact of the motor to her back also resulted in several fractured ribs and a collapsed lung.
     Operator advised us that he and his two passengers were wearing their PFD's and his lanyard engine cut-off switch was connected to his person  He informed us that the motor was knocked into the boat striking his wife in the back and finally landing in the middle of the boat.  He stated his wife was thrown forward by the impact of the motor and the forward momentum of the boat.
     Operator voluntarily submitted a blood sample for toxicology testing, while he was at the hospital.
    Agents seized Operator's boat for further investigation.  Agents retrieved the GPS cooridinates on the location of the accident and observed the submerged stump that was struck by the motor.


BARDID: LA-2011-0125
Date: 2011-05-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:45:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: TOLEDO BEND LAKE
NearestCityTown: ZWOLLE
County: SABINE
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: CAPSIZING
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was idling through a stumpy area with the wind blowing out of the NNE at 12 mph with occasional gusts of up to 30 mph.  Operator had his stern to the wind while he was idling.  The passenger suddenly noticed that the boat was filling up with water from the waves coming over the stern.  Operator turned on his bilge pumps and cut his engine off.  Both men went to the front of the boat because the back was flooding and the boat capsized.  Both men already had their type 3 PFD's on when the boat capsized.  

Occupant was able to hold onto the boat and stay with it as it drifted away in the wind.  Operator was able to grab a boat seat and held onto it while he was drifting alone in the wind.  Both men were able to communicate with one another for a short time before they drifted too far away from each other.  After approximately two hours in the water, two subjects on land heard Occupant calling for help and went to assist.  They were able to rescue Occupant and then began searching for Operator.  They located Operator approximately 200 yards upwind of his capsized boat.  He was still wearing his PFD but it was not buckled.  His head was underwater and he was unresponsive.  Due to his size, they were not able to get Operator in the boat.  They tied him off to a stump, placed a marker on the stump, and returned to the shore with Occupant.

Sabine Parish Sheriff's Office was notified of the incident via a 911 call at 3:41 PM and they in turn notified LDWF Enforcement.  At approximately 5:00 PM, body was recovered by LDWF Enforcement agents and Sabine Parish S.O. deputies at the same location he had been left.  A subsequent autopsy revealed that Operator had succumbed to a heart attack.


BARDID: LA-2011-0137
Date: 2011-09-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: 30" pipeline
NearestCityTown: Belle River
County: St. Martin
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
Agents were notified of a missing person through communications. when agents arrived at Belle River Public boat launch they encountered two friends of the missing subject, whom was identified as Operator. The subjects stated that they had located Operator's vessel  in the 30 " pipeline unmanned. The two men stated that when they located the vessel they observed one of the missing subjects rods laying on the deck of the vessel with a lure in the water and approximately 20' of line on it out. Subjects also stated that the trolling motor was in the down (operation position), and the ignition key was in the off position. The two men stated that they had found the subject's vessel  approximately 20' from the shore, then pushed the subject's vessel to the shore and secured it. Agents went to the location of the vessel. Agents along with St. Martin sheriff Office began searching the area for the subject. Agents inspected the vessel and found one type 3 pfd lying on the seat, and observed several fishing lures on the deck of the vessel (LA2553FT). Agents also noted that the trolling motor was in the down position.  

Agents , with search equipment located the subject's  body approximately 20' behind the vessel, submerged in approximately 7' water. Agents then properly transported the subject back to the Belle River public landing. sheriff office's  vessel towed vessel back to the landing. Agents photographed Operator's vessel, then released the vessel to his brother. Agents turned the body of Operator over to the coroner's office. As agents spoke with family members they stated that Operator has a history of having sudden seizures. The family members, and friends also stated that operator had bronchitis the prior week.  Agents inspected the vessel throughly when it was removed from the water and did not observe any type of damage to the vessel. Agents received two written statements from the subjects who located the vessel. Alcohol is not believed to be a factor. There were two type 3 pfds on the vessel and one type 4.  Pfds were not worn. The vessel was equipped with hydraulic steering.  At this point in the investigation agents believed that the subject fell overboard.  The coroner's  office is performing an autopsy to determine cause of death.


BARDID: LA-2011-0138
Date: 2011-08-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:50:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: AMITE RIVER DIVERSION CANAL
NearestCityTown: MAUREPAS
County: Livingston - 32
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: IMPROPER LOOKOUT
AccidentCause3: OPERATOR INATTENTION
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Fixed Object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Operator, 41 , of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, owner of the vessel, was operating the above-described vessel while cruising upstream in the Amite River Diversion Canal. The vessel crashed into a fixed dock/pier, (starboard side shore as the vessel traveled upstream). The vessel and dock suffered very notable damage.
Five persons were abroad the vessel: Operator, his wife, his son, his daughter, age 15, and a family friend,  also of Baton Rouge, La. All five persons sustained notable injuries. Friend’s injuries were the most notable as he suffered a separation of the spinal column at C-4, C-5 and C-6 leaving him paralyzed from the shoulders, down. See attached report for more details on injuries sustained by all five persons.
Operator initially offered several versions of the event that led to the crash. Most recently, he has reported that he doesn’t recall what led to the collision. The investigation revealed that operator’s B.A.C. was 0.08g% nearly three hours after the crash. Agents have reason to believe that he was distracted just prior to the collision, therein failing to maintain a proper lookout and failing to maintain proper control of his vessel. See narrative for details.
Appropriate PFD’s were aboard the vessel as were two appropriate fire extinguishers. It is believed that the kill switch was not employed (see photo) despite Operator reporting that he was wearing it. Alcohol is believed to be a factor in this incident.


BARDID: LA-2011-0140
Date: 2011-10-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:38:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Bayou Queue DeTortue
NearestCityTown: Morse
County: Allen - 2
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Person Departed Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was alone in a canoe checking a trot line.  The vessel swamped and Operator went into the water.  A hook from the trot line was entangled in the canoe's bow line at the bow.  The canoe was still afloat in the upright position and was completely flooded when agents arrived on scene.  The canoe was positioned in the approximately center of the bayou at N 30 06.870 by W 92 33.498 still hooked to the trot line.  The canoe did not appear to have capsized because items (paddle, styrofoam plate containing a trot line, and extra fish hooks) remained inside the hull.  Operator's deceased body was located in approximately ten inches of water at the north bank.  He was not wearing a PFD when his body was located.  Evidence suggested Operator entered the water when the canoe flooded and swam to the bank.  He was not wearing a PFD when his body was located.  Evidence suggested Operator entered the water when the canoe flooded and swam to the bank.  When he reached the bank he collapsed.  The cause of death is pending autopsy report.  Operator's body was located at N 30 06.884 by W 92 33.517.  Blood alcohol and toxicology are pending autopsy report.


BARDID: LA-2011-0142
Date: 2011-10-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:45:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: 51 Canal
NearestCityTown: LaPlace
County: St. John
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Submerged Object
AccidentEvent2: Collision with Fixed Object
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
The operator, the only occupant of the vessel, was traveling north on 51 Canal when he struck a submerged object causing his vessel to veer to starboard.  opERATOR then struck a piling of Interstate 55 ejecting him from his vessel. He was wearing a type III PFD and was able to swim back to his vessel which was lodged on stumps under Interstate 55.  He was not wearing the safety switch lanyard. Operator sustained injuries to his mouth, several teeth knocked out, and minor cuts on his left arm. He was checked by EMS at Ruddock boat launch but refused any furthur medical treatment.  Agents observed no signs of intoxication and there was no indication of drug or alcohol use by Operator .  Upon investigating the scene the following morning, Sgt. hit a submerged object in the area with his patrol vessel. From that location, Sgt. observed the path Operator took before making impact with the piling. There was a path cut through vegetation under I-55 leading to the piling, on which was transference of blue paint and fiberglass from Operator's vessel.


BARDID: LA-2011-0143
Date: 2011-10-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 01:30:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: RIGOLETS
NearestCityTown: SLIDELL
County: ST. TAMMANY
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Force of Wave/wake
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INEXPERIENCE
AccidentCause3: Restricted Vision
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: CAPSIZING
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On October 22, at approx. 1:30 hrs., a 21’ Stump Jumper airboat (LA1586FY) along the Rigolets near Slidell Louisiana with 6 persons on board was attempting to cross from the south side of the Rigolets near beacon “3” to the north side of the Rigolets when the vessel encountered several waves generated by a tug and barge that passed approx. 300 yards to the north of the airboat. Witnesses stated that several 1 to 2 foot waves washed over the bow of the airboat, causing the airboat to take on water, swamp, capsize and sink in approx. 45’ of water. All 6 subjects were thrown into the water and were later rescued by a passing tugboat and brought to safe harbor. There was no evidence of alcohol use by any of the subjects (none of the subjects appeared to be impaired and there was no odor of an alcoholic beverage detected on any of the subjects). This type of vessel is not designed for use in deep open water and is not designed to negotiate large waves. It is also believed that the operator’s inexperience at operating this type of vessel contributed to the incident once the chain of events were set into motion by the first waves that the vessel encountered. On a dark night, it was probably impossible to see the waves coming that swamped the vessel.


BARDID: LA-2011-0144
Date: 2011-10-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:45:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Joe's Bayou
NearestCityTown: Waverly
County: Madison - 33
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INATTENTION
AccidentCause3: OPERATOR INEXPERIENCE
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday, October 30, 2011, I, Sr. Agent received a call at approximately 2:10pm concerning a possible drowing in Joe's Bayou North of Waverly, Louisiana.  Agents arrived to find a small vessel anchored in the middle of the bayou, with no occupants, and several beer cans in the vessel.  Agents launched a vessel and started searching for the victim.  After checking the vessel and finding a fishing pole broken with the line snagged, Sr. Agent attempted to move the vessel in order to drag for the victim.  As he moved the vessel he noticed the line pull the vessel back towards our vessel.  Sr. Agent immediately grabbed the line and started pulling.  The first thing that came up was a piece of the fishing pole.  After grabbing the pole and pulling he observed the victims hand coming to the surface.  We pulled the victim from the water and contacted the nearest coroner.  We took several pictures of the contents of the vessel, and the contents of the victims pockets.  The victim was released to the Madison Parish Coroner.


BARDID: LA-2011-0146
Date: 2011-11-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Dauterive
NearestCityTown: Loreauville
County: Iberia
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Machinery Failure
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INATTENTION
AccidentCause3: IMPROPER LOOKOUT
MachineryFailure: Fuel
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Fixed Object
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
operator of vessel LA4262FE and his passenger were returning from his camp on Bird Island Chute off of Lake Dauterive in Iberia Parish.  When Operator reached the area known as the Boulevard his fuel line lost prime and his motor began to die.  Operator then instructed Occupant to pump the fuel line bulb so his engine would run as they returned to the Marshfield boat landing.  Operator advised at interview that he was aware of the fuel line problem and that this had happened on a previous outing with his girlfriend.  Operator also advised that this was Occupant's first time in a boat and he was not familiar with its operation.  While navigating on the Boulevard Operator advised that he turned his head to the left to see if Occupant was pumping the fuel line bulb as instructed.  Operator's actions also caused him to steer his vessel to port and before he could look back his vessel struck a cypress tree head on.  

Occupant was thrust forward and struck his head on the cypress tree causing serious head injury.  Operator was protected by the steering console which was partially ripped loose from the floor of the vessel upon impact.  Operator suffered minor bruising on both legs.  After the impact Operator was able to return to Dauterive landing where someone called 911.  Iberia Fire Rescue and Acadiana Ambulance were dispatched to the scene.  Another person performed first aid until help arrived.  Occupant's injuries were determined to be severe and he was then taken by Air Med to Lafayette General Hospital.  Fire Chief and others were all in direct contact with Operator and Occupant at the Marshfield landing and stated that they saw no indications that alcohol was involved in the incident.  The cause of the incident was determined as being equipment failure with the fuel line, inattention of the operator and Rules of the Road; Rule #20 No Proper Lookout.  Operator's vessel was properly equipped with 3 Type III PFD's but was missing a Type IV throwable, sound producing device and a fire extinguisher required on a Class 1 vessel.  Operator also failed to display proper registration numbers on his vessel.


BARDID: LA-2011-0148
Date: 2011-11-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 07:30:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Long
NearestCityTown: Lockport
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Missing or Inadequate Navigation Aids
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Submerged Object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 11/12/11 at 7:30 A.M., Operator crossed Lake Long in a 16.5 aluminum mud boat with remote steering and a 68 hp Subaru inboard motor. Operator had two passengers on board. the weather was cloudy with calm waters and light winds. Air temperature was 80 degrees and water temperature was 70 degrees. Operator states he was cruising at approximately 20 mph and moving to another hunting position in 2 ft. of water. The vessel contained 3 type 3 and one type 4 flotation devices. Operator states that neither him nor his passengers wore PFDs. Operator was in forward motion when he struck a submerged object at position 29 34.657'N 090 33.148'W. 

Operator and the two passengers were thrown to the bow of the vessel upon impact. Operator states that the kill-switch lanyard shut off his engine. The men attempted to free their vessel from the submerged object, but were unsuccessful. A nearby duck hunter (unknown name) then assisted in pulling Operator's vessel free from the submerged object. Operator took his boat to Texas Gulf Road public boat launch. Operator examined his vessel for damage and found that the vessel had damage to the strut, rudder, battery box, and steering mechanisms. Operator returned the vessel to Operators's home in Chauvin, LA. and reported the incident to the LA Dept WLF. The 3 men then proceeded to Terrebonne General Medical Center Emergency Room to be examined for injuries. LDWF Agents met the 3 men at Terrebonne General Medical Center for interviewing. None of the men appeared to be intoxicated during interviewing. All of the men denied being on narcotic substances or having alcoholic beverages. All 3 men were later released from Terrebonne General Medical Center on 11/12/11 with only minor injuries. Agents arrived at the site of the collision on 11/13/11 at 10:00 A.M. Agents discovered a metal object approximately one and a half feet beneath the surface of the water using an aluminum push pole. Agents estimate the object to be approximately 70 feet long and 8-10 inches wide. Agents found the submerged object hastily marked with wooden posts at each end.


BARDID: LA-2011-0149
Date: 2011-10-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: location off of Bayou Lafouche
NearestCityTown: Leeville
County: Lafourche
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Improper Lookout
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Fixed Object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
LDWF Agents were advised of a single vessel accident that took place near Leeville in Lafourche Parish. Agents made their way to Lady of the Sea hospital in Galliano to speak to the operator of the vessel  who was receiving medical attention due to a serious cut over the right eye (48 stitches). Subject stated that he and four other subjects were out on a fishing trip when he was passing through a canal at idle speed due to his knowledge of the canal having underwater obstructions. Note: the canal is stationed with a tug and barge due to building a new well head. Operator stated that on the way back from fishing trip he decided to run on step, approx. 10 mph, because he did not hit anything on the way in.  After further investigation the agents learned that operator did not pass in the same place that he idled previously.  Instead he passed between 2 well-heads that had a green twine stretched from the bank to the newly built outside well head.  In doing so, operator and 2 other passengers were struck by the green twine.  PFDs were on board but were not used and remote steering was used to steer the outboard.  Alcohol was not a factor in the accident.  No citations were issued.


BARDID: LA-2011-0152
Date: 2011-11-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 02:43:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Bayou Boeuf
NearestCityTown: Amelia
County: St Mary
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Sharp Turn
AccidentCause2: NAVIGATION RULES VIOLATION
AccidentCause3: OPERATOR INATTENTION
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/Swamping
AccidentEvent3: SINKING
RedactedNarrative:
On November 26, 2011 at about 2:43 a.m. three people were traveling in a 16' pointed skiff in Bayou Boeuf.  Operator was the operator, Occupant1 was sitting on the port side and Occupant2 was sitting on the starboard.  The vessel passed the Amelia Belle Casino and turned back south. After crossing its own wake, the vessel made a hard abrupt starboard turn and Occupant1 was ejected out of the port side. the vessel then turned hard to port then stopped. It then took water over the stern and quickly sank. Occupant1 swam to the west bank and was treated at Teche Regional Hospital in Morgan City for minor injuries. However, Operator and Occupant2 were later recovered from the water and turned over to St. Mary Coroner's Office. Operator was recovered by drag at 10:45 a.m. the same day by St. Martin Parich deputies.  Occupant2 surfaced and was recovered by St. Mary Parish deputies on 11/27/11 at 7:43 a.m., about 1/4 mile north of the accident location. The vessel LA6549BV, powered by a 40hp Mercury has not been recovered. LDWF Enf Agents obtained a video tape of the incident from the Amelia Belle. Although the video shows the sharp turn to starboard and to port, it is still unknown why the vessel made these maneuvers.  On 11/26/11 at about 8:00 a.m. a volunteer hooked what was believed to be Operator's vessel. St. Mary S.O. diver, confirmed that it was the vessel and tied a line to it. The line was attached to a float that was used as a search reference.  However, on 11/27/11 when attempted to lift the vessel, the line broke. subject advised that he did feel the throttle control and that it was in forward gear. As of 11/27/11 the vessel has not been recovered.  The use of alcohol or drugs is pending the Stl Mary Coroner's investigation. None of the subjects were wearing their pfd and because the vessel has not yet been recovered, it is unknown if the kill switch was used. However, when Operator was recovered he was not wearing a kill switch lanyard.  It is also unknown if the vessel had any PFDs.


BARDID: LA-2011-0153
Date: 2011-12-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 07:30:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Duck Lake (Atchafalaya Basin)
NearestCityTown: Morgan City
County: St. Martin
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Submerged Object
AccidentEvent2: CAPSIZING
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 12/27/11 at approximately 0748 hrs a 911 operator from the St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office contacted Lt. at the Thibodaux office in reference to two subjects in the water in Duck Lake, St. Martin Parish. Lt. then contacted S.A. and the Coast Guard to have them in route to the location. At approximately 0808 hrs. I, Sgt., was contacted by S.A, in reference to the incident . I then proceeded to the nearest landing to Duck Lake.  Upon my arrival at approximately 0840 hrs. S.A. advised me that the subjecs had been retrieved from the water and were in route to the Franklin Hospital. S.A. advised that the subjects had no visible injuries that he was aware of.  I then proceeded to the hospital. Upon my arrival at the hospital, the passenger was standing in the hallway wrapped in blankets. He advised that he was not injured just very cold. The operator was wrapped in several blankets lying on a hospital bed with a heater. He also advised that he was not hurt just very cold. After speaking with both subjects they both said they had killed a duck and went to retrieve it before it drifted too far. They advised when they left the blind they hit a submerged object that caused the vessel to turn sharply starboard ejecting the two subjects from the vessel into the water. The subjects then advised they hung on to the boat until they were picked up. the subjects were not wearing PFDs at the time of the incident and no alcohol or drugs were involved.


BARDID: LA-2011-0155
Date: 2011-12-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Atchafalaya Basin Charenton La
NearestCityTown: Charenton
County: St. Mary
WaterConditions: Choppy
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous Waters
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/Swamping
AccidentEvent3: SINKING
RedactedNarrative:
On December 20, 2011 at about 10 - 10:30 a.m. wife left her camp on Beehive Chute in the Atchafalaya Basin. When she left, her husband was still at the camp. She later stated that he wanted to go home to check on the building contractors who were working on their house. She returned to the camp before 2:00 p.m. and Victim wasn't there.  She stated that she wasn't concerned because it wasn't unlike Victim to leave  by catching a ride home from someone else.  Aat about 11:00 a.m. subject was approaching his houseboat, about one mile downstream of the victim's  camp. He saw Victim paddling his pirogue/canoe with the current, headed south.  He stated that Victim was in a small boat with little freeboard and appeared to be having trouble with the current.  He also stated that he asked Victim if he needed assistance and Victim waved his hand in a way that indicated that he was alright.  wife reported her husband missing on Thursday December 22nd when she got to the landing and saw that their truck was still there. LDWF assisted in a search for Victim for several days.  He was recovered from Charenton Lake by St. Mary S.O. on December 28th.  Victim was turned over to St. Mary Coroner's investigator, pending Coroner's investigative report.


BARDID: LA-2011-0157
Date: 2011-12-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:34:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Williams Canal (Graveyard)
NearestCityTown: Leeville
County: Lafourche
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Submerged Object
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
AccidentEvent3: FLOODING/SWAMPING
RedactedNarrative:
Two male subjects, one operator and one passenger, were fishing in  a 17 foot Weld Craft aluminum hull boat with a 60hp four stroke Suzuki outboard, remote steering, on 12/28/11. Air temperature was 52 degrees and water temperature was 45 degrees. The weather was clear and calm with light winds and calm waters. At 3:30 pm the subjects were moving from one fishing hole to another, cruising at approximately 15 mph.  At 3:34 pm the vessel struck an unmarked underwater obstruction in Williams Canal (29 13.156'N  090 11.825' W).  The passenger was ejected from the vessel and into the water. 

The vessel contained three Type III PFD's and one Type IV PFD (PFD's and kill switch lanyard were not being used).  The vessel took on water and sunk due to a four inch by three inch gash to the bottom of the vessel. The subjects called friends to tow the vessel back to the dock.  The vessel arrived at Boudreaux's Marina in Leeville, LA at approximately 6:50 pm 12/28/11.  The subjects flagged down a Fourchon Harbor Police Officer and explained to him what happened. the Harbor Police Officer reported the incident to LDWF dispatch, who then dispatched Agents to the scene.  Agents arrived on scene in Leevillel, LA at 8"00 pm 12/28/11.  LDWF Agents found a 4"x3" hole ripped into the center of the hull 2 feet from the transom.  Agents determined this to be the cause of the sinking. The passenger stated he would seek medical attention in his hometown of Baton Rouge, LA for right elbow pain, bicep injury, and busted lip.  The operator did not complain of any injuries.  Louisiana Department Of Wildlife and Fisheries  Agents determined alcohol or drug use to not be a factor in this incident.


BARDID: LA-2011-0158
Date: 2011-12-28 00:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: bogue chitto river
NearestCityTown: BUSH
County: ST. TAMMANY
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: UNKNOWN
Visibility: UNKN
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Fixed Object
AccidentEvent2: CAPSIZING
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
The vessel (LA-7804-FN) was found capsized on the Bogue Chitto River below the spillway by a passer-by. The vessel was a 14’ Duracraft flat boat with a transom mounted 15 HP Mercury outboard. The vessel had severe damage to the bow as if it had struck and then rubbed against concrete (spillway). There were two type III PFDs and one throwable found with the vessel. The emergency cut-off lanyard was attached to the motor in operating fashion. It is unclear as to the events which lead to the vessel’s capsizing and the disappearance. On January 12, 2012 victim was found.


BARDID: LA-2011-0159
Date: 2011-10-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:39:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: West Cove
NearestCityTown: Hackberry
County: Cameron - 12
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Submerged Object
RedactedNarrative:
Subject was operating his vessel, TX 6479 JX, a 23 foot JH performance boat, powered by a 200 horse power mercury motor, controlled by remote steering.  Operator was traveling south in West Cove the lower unit on his motor struck a submerged object.  When Operator raised his motor he found there to be severe damage to the lower  unit, and later found the motor was a total loss.  Operator had two other passengers onboard his vessel at the time of the incident; none of the men were injured. vessel was equipped with a sufficient number of personal flotation devices, but they were not being worn.  The kill switch was not attached to the operator.  Neither alcohol nor drugs was suspected.  The type of incident is strike a submerged object.  Operator was cruising at the time the incident occurred.  Contributing factor to the incident was the underwater object.


BARDID: LA-2012-0001
Date: 2012-01-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: BRAUD BAYOU
NearestCityTown: DUTCHTOWN
County: IBERVILLE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Struck by Vessel
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel # 1 was traveling upstream in Braud Bayou with two adult male persons on board. Vessel # 2 was traveling downstream with one adult male and juvenile (5yr old) girl on board. Braud Bayou is a narrow and shallow waterway. As they approached a blind curve the respective operators realized that a collision was possible. The operator of vessel # 1 slowed and turned his vessel to starboard eventually coming to rest on the embankment. Vessel # 2 reportedly slowed but had evidently been traveling too fast to slow down enough to avoid a collision. Additionally, the operator of vessel # 1 turned to his port side. Vessel #1 collided with vessel #2 near the center of that vessel on the port side. The bow of vessel #1 struck the five-year-old passenger of vessel #2 causing a very notable laceration to her forehead, breaking her nose and causing her to fall to the deck of the vessel. The bow of vessel #1 also struck the stabilizing handle (operator hand hold) of vessel #2 and bent it notably. Both vessels and all occupants went to a nearby launch. Authorities were notified and responded appropriately. The father of the child who was injured brought her to St. Elizabeth Hospital in Gonzales where she received treatment for the aforementioned injuries.
*No other injuries were reported. Alcohol is not believed to be a factor in this incident. Appropriate PFD’s were found on board each vessel.


BARDID: LA-2012-0002
Date: 2012-01-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:28:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Wallace Lake
NearestCityTown: Shreveport
County: Desoto - 16
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
RedactedNarrative:
On January 2, 2012, Operator launched his boat (LA 0066 VU) from the Wallace Lake Road boat launch to go fishing.  Operator made his way down the bayou to the Interstate 49 bridge.  Operator was fishing in the front of his vessel when he decided to leave.  He got up and proceeded to move from the front seat of the vessel to the back seat.  As he was moving his foot struck a depth finder mount that was mounted to the boat.  Operator lost his balance and fell overboard.  Operator had on a type III PFD.  Operator was able to grab hold of the starboard side of the vessel, and attempted to pull himself up and into the vessel.  As he did the vessel flipped over and capsized.  Operator was approximately 50 yards from the bank in Desoto parish and was able to swim to the bank.  He then walked up the side of I49 and was able to wave down a passing motorist who contacted 911.  Desoto Parish Sheriff's Office arrived on the scene with Fire distric 6 from Caddo Parish.  Operator was showing signs of hypothermia and was transported to LSU Medical Center by Fire District 6.  There was no damage to the vessel and Operator made a full recovery.


BARDID: LA-2012-0003
Date: 2012-02-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:20:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Cut Off Canal
NearestCityTown: Pt Aux Cheine
County: Terrebonne
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Force of wave/wake
AccidentCause2: Improper loading
AccidentCause3: Overloading
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
AccidentEvent3: Flooding/swamping
RedactedNarrative:
Subjects were bow fishing near the Pt. Aux Cheins Marina. Their vessel, a 2008 aluminum Gator Tail boat, LA7715FT, was travelling north in Bayou Pt. Aux Chenes. The vessel was idling through the intersection of Bayou Pt. Aux cheins and Cut Off Canal. As the vessel made it's turn three subjects stood up on the front deck to take up positions to begin bow fishing. The vessel got caught in the extreme current that passes through the intersection and capsized and later sunk.  All five of the passengers were rescued by bystanders who were at the marina at the time. None of the five were wearing PFDs at the time of the accident. Alcohol is not considered a factor in this incident.


BARDID: LA-2012-0005
Date: 2012-02-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:53:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: SOUTH PASS
NearestCityTown: VENICE
County: PLAQUEMINES
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
RedactedNarrative:
On 2-10-12 at 12:53 p.m., wildlife enforcement agents were notified by the u.s. coast guard (uscg) about a sailboat that had ran aground at the mouth of south pass. Upon arrival, agents observed a 36 foot sailboat that had ran aground onto an underwater rock jetty.  The vessel had two occupants, both were wearing personal flotation devices (pfd's). The two occupants then exited the sailboat and boarded a small inflatable vessel.  Agents then recovered the two subjects from the inflatable vessel and transported the two subjects to the uscg station in venice. Upon arriving at the uscg station, agents learned that the operator of the vessel was trying to enter south pass from the gulf of mexico and misread his navigational chart and passed on the wrong side of the channel marker causing him to run aground on an underwater rock jetty.  Due to the strong wind and waves, the vessel became lodged onto the underwater rock jetty.  The operator of the vessel was unable to unlodge the vessel and contacted the uscg via vhf radio.  After speaking with both occupants of the vessel and taking into consideration the weather and water conditions, agents did not suspect use of drugs or alcohol.


BARDID: LA-2012-0006
Date: 2012-02-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:25:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Red River
NearestCityTown: Shreveport
County: Caddo - 9
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Dam/lock
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On February 25, 2012, at approximately 7:25 p.m. operator was operating TX vessel 2065 EZ on the Red River in Caddo parish.  Operator was locking northbound through Lock and Dam #5.  The vessel was tied up to the side of the lock during the locking process.  The water in the lock was rising and the port, bow of Operator's vessel got stuck in a recess on the side of the lock wall.  Operator did not notice the bow of his vessel was stuck in the recess.  The water continued to rise in the lock, and the vessel was pinned in the recess causing water to come in the vessel until it capsized.  Operator and his two passengers were able to swim to a ladder on the side of the lock wall and get out of the water.  All three subjects were wearing type 3 PFD's and the lockmaster was able to throw the subjects type 4 life rings during the incident.  The next day workers of Lock and Dam #5 were able to remove the vessel, and Operator took the vessel home.  No alcohol or drug use are suspected in this incident. The contributing factor in this incident was that Operator was not paying attention to the position of his vessel during the locking process and allowed the bow of his vessel to become pinned in a recess on the lock wall which caused it to take on water and capsize.


BARDID: LA-2012-0007
Date: 2012-03-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:39:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Mechant
NearestCityTown: Dularge
County: Terrebonne
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Collision with governmental vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Terrebonne Parish S.O.  had responded to a complaint of a broken down vessel in Lake Menchant. The Water Patrol placed all of the passengers of the stranded vessel in their patrol boat and put the vessel under tow. The S.O. had let out 50-75 foot of towline and had gotten both vessels on plane  and were traveling at approximately 20 mph. The S.O.vessel then struck a submerged sand bar which caused their vessel to come to a sudden stop.  The vessel on tow then struck the S.O. Vessel and rode up the stern and struck an approximatley 6 ft. mounting bracket for emergency lights and radar equipment mounted just forward of the transom. No injuries were sustained by the Sheriff' deputy or the rescued passengers. Proper PFDs were on board the S.O. vessel but were not in use at the time.


BARDID: LA-2012-0008
Date: 2012-03-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 02:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Jones Lake
NearestCityTown: Jones
County: Morehouse
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
victim was reported missing to the Morehouse Parish Sheriff's Office.  I, Sgt. was contacted at approximately 2:00am on 03/11/2012 by Major of the MPSO.  Major requested our assistance in the search for Victim.  He advised that Victim was believed to have gone finishing the afternoon prior and never returned.  He stated that Victim' vessel was tied to the bank behind his residence.  An extensive search of the lake and surrounding areas began at approximately 3:00am on March 11.  The body of Victim surfaced on March 16 and was sent to Little Rock, AR for autopsy.  The examining physician stated the cause of death as "freshwater drowning".  Not a single witness ever came forward that witnessed Victim fall overboard into the water.  I was present when his body surfaced, and I assisted in retrieving him from the water.  His body was initially located roughly eighty yards from where his small aluminum boat was found tied to a tree.  No one ever came forward and admitted to being with subject or moving his vessel after it was found tied to the bank.  One has to assume that he either swam from the bank eighty yards and then drowned or that his vessel capsized in the lake and he drowned.  If the latter happened, then someone was either with him when he entered the water or someone found his vessel afloat and tied it to the bank behind his residence.  Much can be left to supposition.  


BARDID: LA-2012-0009
Date: 2012-03-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: MISSISSIPPI RIVER
NearestCityTown: VENICE
County: PLAQUEMINES
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Poor
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Force of wave/wake
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
While idling out of South Pass into the Gulf of Mexico operator was operating his thirty-three foot Pro-Line.  According to this initial statement the waters at the mouth of south Pass were very rough.  he hit a wave while idling out however his son lost his footing int he boat and when the boat came down he fell landing on his tailbone causing major back injuries requiring back surgery.

See full investigators report for th exact details of the back injury.  No damage occured to the vessel when this incident occured.


BARDID: LA-2012-0010
Date: 2012-03-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:40:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Ramah Bar Pits
NearestCityTown: Ramah
County: Iberville - 24
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Equipment failure
AccidentCause2: People on Gunwale, Bow, or Transom
EquipmentFailure: Seat broke loose
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
On March 27, 2012 at approximately 12:40 p.m. operator was fishing in the Ramah Bar Pits located along the west side of the East Guide Levee in Ramah, Louisiana and fell overboard.  Cause of falling overboard is currently under investigation pending autopsy results but current evidence shows that Operator's pedestal fishing seat located on the bow of his 12' Alumaweld had broken and entered the water along with Operator.  After approximately 20 minutes of being out of contact with his fishing party, they discovered his vessel anchored approximately 40 feet from the west side bank; Operator was not aboard his vessel and shortly thereafter, his hat along with (4) fishing poles  and his seat were discovered floating nearby his vessel.  At approximately 1:15 p.m. Senior Agent arrived on scene and began assisting the Iberville Parish Sheriff's Office in recovery.  Operator's body was recovered at approximately 1:40 p.m. I then assessed Operator's 12 foot AlumaWeld flat bottom and gathered evidence of the broken seat which was previously located at the bow of the vessel.  The vessel's contents are as follows: (1) pair of leather footwear slippers (5) fishing poles, (4) of which were recovered from the water, a Styrofoam ice chest with shiners, an empty 6-pack of bottled Budweiser, (1) empty Budweiser bottle located near the bow of the vessel, a Rubbermaid ice chest containing a bag of ice and (3) unopened bottles of Budweiser, (3) boat paddles and (1) Type III PFD in serviceable condition located at the stern of the vessel.  The PFD was not worn and the contribution of alcohol to the incident is currently pending autopsy results.  According to witnesses, Operator had the ability to swim and had no known health defects.


BARDID: LA-2012-0011
Date: 2012-02-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:30:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Atchafalaya Basin
NearestCityTown: Calumet
County: St Mary
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 2 P.M., operator was traveling in vessel LA6432EH in a small canal northwest of the Calumet boat launch. Operator stated that he struck a submerged stump causing the vessel to capsize.   Operator was ejected from vessel and was able to swim to the bank. Operator was located by Agents at approximately 10:15 pm. Operator was taken to Calumet boat  where he was treated for hypothermia by Acadian Ambulance medics.  no use of drug or alcohol suspected. Subject was wearing killswitch and pfd at the time of the incident.


BARDID: LA-2012-0012
Date: 2012-02-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Company Canal
NearestCityTown: Lockport
County: Lafourche
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
AccidentEvent3: Flooding/swamping
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday, February 19, 2012, at approximately 1730 hrs. while heading back towards the Lockport boat launch in a 15'8" mud boat bearing LA9642FC, the operator hit a fixed object in the water on the southside of Company Canal. Operator stated that when he hit the object all 3 passengers including himself were thrown overboard into the water.  None of the subjects on board the vessel were wearing PFDs. The vessel was equipped with two type 11 and two type 111 PFDs. Operator stated that he was traveling approximately 20 mph when he struck the object. The vessel is steered by remote steering with a rudder.  Operator stated that he had been drinking 12 oz. bottles  Budweiser Select from 9am till 4pm. Agents conducted SFST at Lockport Police Department at approximately 1845 hrs.  then transported Operator to nearest Intoxilizer 5000 at Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office.  Operator gave a valid sample through the Intoxilizer 5000 at 2007 hrs. and had a BAC of .197 grams%.  Alcohol was a factor in the incident.


BARDID: LA-2012-0014
Date: 2012-03-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 04:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Intracoastal Waterway
NearestCityTown: Larose
County: Lafourche
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentEvent3: Flooding/swamping
RedactedNarrative:
On 3/25/12, LA Wildlife and Fisheries Agents were contacted by dispatch of a boating accident that occurred in the early hours of that day. Agents made contact with Sgt with the Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office who advised that a white male subject was found by passing boaters at approxmately 6:30 A.M. on the north bank of the Intracoastal just east of Bayou Lafourche.  The subject was identified.  Agents arrived on scene and learned that Occupant was at his residence changing into dry clothes. Agents made contact with Occupant who stated that he and his friend Operator decided to go frogging approximately 1:30 A.M. that morning. He said they launched the vessel at approximately 3:00 A.M. and began traveling east in the Intracoastal waterway for approximately 10-15 minutes.  He stated that Operator was operating the vessel owned by Occupant. Occupant stated that he was not familiar with the area so Operator chose to drive the vessel.  He stated that they slowed down and shined the spot light to see where they were and began traveling slowly east.  Occupant stated that as they increased speed they struck an object in the water which caused the bow of the vessel to lift upward and the boat to shift to the Starboard.  

When the boat shifted he fell to the right of the vessel which then caused the starboard strn side of the vessel to take on water.  This caused the vessel to take on water and sink into the intracoastal.Once the vessel sunk Occupant stated he could see the bow of  vessel sticking out the water approximately 2 foot with the running light still on.He stated that Operator told him "we have to swim Champ". Occupant stated that he had a type 3 inflatable PFD on and tried to ppull the cord for it to inflate but it failed.  He stated that he then swam to the north bank and stood up once he hit shallow water.  He stated that he called out for Operator but did not hear him.  He also stated that he could see the boat floating.  Occupant then began to walk west toward Larose where he was picked up by the passing boaters at approximately 6:30 A.M.  Agents arrived on scene at approximately 8:15 A.M. and began searching for Operator and the vessel.  Agentss located the gas can for the vessel, one type 3 inflatable PFD, one Dock Martin Dress Shoe, and 2 Floating Bud Light Cans.  Occupant stated that he had been drinking the previous day and hours leading to the accident.  Agents also spoke to witnesses who stated that Operator had also consumed several alcoholic beverages before the accident occurred.  Occupant  stated that the vessel was equipped with one Type 2 PFD, but Operator did not have it on at the time of the accident.  Occupant stated that the vessel was equipped with one Type 2 PFD, but Operator did not have it on at the time of the accident.  Occupant staated the vessel was 14' with a 23HP Longtail Go-Devil engine.


BARDID: LA-2012-0015
Date: 2012-04-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Bayou Teche
NearestCityTown: Charenton
County: St. Mary
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Hazardous waters
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 3/6/12 at 7:48 P.M., Wildlife Enforcement Agents were notified by Departmental Dispatch about a boat accident that had occurred in St. Mary Parish.  Dispatch advised that a white male was transported to Iberia Medical Center located in Iberia Parish.  Senior Agent responded to Iberia Medical Center where he made contact with Occupant.  Occupant advised that  he was in a boat accident in the Bayou Teche and Operator was the operator of the vessel.  Occupant stated that they were in an aluminum vessel and struck a concrete piling that supports the bridge crossing the Bayou Teche in Charenton.  Agents located Operator and spoke with him about the accident. Agents determined that due to Operator's inexperience of operating a vessel, speed of travel, and swift water eddy currrents behind each piling on the bridge caused him to lose control of the vessel while navigating a turn.  Once Operator lost control, the vessel struck a concrete piling that supports the concrete bridge.  After speaking with both Operator and Occupant, agents learned that both subjects were wearing PFD's and were able to rule out possibility of alcohol as a contributing factor in the crash.


BARDID: LA-2012-0016
Date: 2012-01-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:45:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Verret
NearestCityTown: Morgan City
County: Assumption
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 1/14/2012, LDWF enforcement Agent received a call from communications regarding a single vessel boating incident.  Agent was advised by St. Martin S.O. dispatch that Operator had been transported to Teche Regional Hospital.  Agent arrived at Teche Regional and spoke with Operator.  Operator advised that he was traveling across Lake Verret at a high rate of speed.  He told Agent that he was probably doing somewhere in the low 90's when the incident occurred.  He advised that as he was traveling a gust of wind picked up his bow and lifted the vessel out of the water flipping its bow over stern.  He then remembered being under the boat and freed himself and surfaced.  He was then picked up by another vessel that was following him.  Agent spoke with this witness who advised the same thing had occurred.  Operator was not wearing a PFD nor was he wearing a kill switch lanyard.  No drugs or alcohol are suspected to be in connection with this incident.  Operator was hospitalized for observation with minor injuries.


BARDID: LA-2012-0017
Date: 2012-04-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:53:00
State: LA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Cocodrie Bayou
NearestCityTown: St. Landry
County: Evangeline - 20
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/Swamping
AccidentEvent3: Sinking
RedactedNarrative:
The operator advised that he went to turn his boat with the bow into the current while checking a trotline, but the current swung the bow causing the vessel to turn sideways.  Operator had killed the motor while checking the trotline, which allowed the current to push the bow of the boat.  The current pushed the boat against a fallen tree that was partially submerged and held it in place with the starboard side against the tree.  Operator was unable to pull the boat off the submerged object.  The water began coming over the port side and within seconds the boat sank below the water.  The boat submerged below the water line and then swung the bow under the fallen tree, causing the motor to get hung up on the tree.  The two subjects on board managed to get onto the nearby bank and walk across a field.  We picked them up near Cazans Lake near the big pits.  No one was injured during the incident.  The boat, LA 1417 FW is a 16' Alweld commercial boat with a 35 horse power gator tail outboard motor.  The boat still remains submerged in the Bayou, they were unable to recover it.   After speaking with an Alweld Commercial boat dealer, they stated that the boat does have some floatation in the transom area, however, it is not going to be enough floatation to keep it above the water with the weight of the passengers and the motor.  While investigating the scene I observed that the speed and force of the current was substantial enough to have been a significant factor in causing the sinking of the vessel 
 (see photo log and photos for a visual aspect of the current speed and force.)


