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.

MAUREPAS                      