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.
Plaquemine                    