On 9/16/13, at approximately 12:30a.m.  vessel LA879FL (60p Mercury o/b with remote steering) was being operated(kill switch worn).  Operator and 3 occupants(no PFD's worn) travelled north on 70 Mile Canal.   the weather was clear and calm with good visibility (night time).  Upon reaching the intersection of 70 Mile Canal and the ICW Operator came off plane.  Operator then accelerated and made a right-hand turn into the ICW (eastbound).  The vessel planed-out and immediately struck a submerged object.  All four occupants were ejected from the vessel (PFD's not worn). The operator was wearing a kill switch lanyard, so the vessel came to rest nearby.  The four subjects swam to the vessel, re-entered the vessel, and traveled a short distance.  The vessel began to take on water and sank in shallow water.  Operator contacted Terrebonne  Parish Sheriff's Office for help and to report the incident. TPSO water rescue arrived shortly after and transported them to shore.  the vessel was left tiedto a pole in it's final resting location N29 33.363' W090 55.036" (capsized ).  LDWF Agents were advised of the incident on the afternoon of 9/19/13 by the TPSO.  The agents responded and received the above information from Operator at the scene of the incident.  The agents observed large rocks beneath the water surface, and above the water surface.  The agents noted that the rocks extend to the intersection of 70 Mile Canal and the ICW. Nothing marks the submerged rock at the intersection. The agents noted that when the rocks were placed they were visible above the water surface several months ago.  At present, these rocks are now submerged. Vessel LA5879FL was found capsized and tied to a PVC pipe t location N29 33.363" W090 55.036". The agents found two large gouges (approximately 6- IN. in the hull of the vessel supporting the claim that the operator struck a submerged object.  At the time of the investigation these gouges were freshly repaired by rOperator.  Operator repaired these gouges on the water to enable him to float the vessel back to the boat launch.  Additional damage would be cost to repair the submerged engine. Subjects stated that they were not drinking alcoholic beverages at the time of the accident.  Based on the information provided, and being notified several days after the incident, agents are  unable to determine if alcohol was a contributing factor.  LDWF authorizes did not issue any citations in connection with this incident.
Bayou Black