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.
Dularge                       