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.
Charenton                     