Two male subjects, one operator and one passenger, were fishing in  a 17 foot Weld Craft aluminum hull boat with a 60hp four stroke Suzuki outboard, remote steering, on 12/28/11. Air temperature was 52 degrees and water temperature was 45 degrees. The weather was clear and calm with light winds and calm waters. At 3:30 pm the subjects were moving from one fishing hole to another, cruising at approximately 15 mph.  At 3:34 pm the vessel struck an unmarked underwater obstruction in Williams Canal (29 13.156'N  090 11.825' W).  The passenger was ejected from the vessel and into the water. 

The vessel contained three Type III PFD's and one Type IV PFD (PFD's and kill switch lanyard were not being used).  The vessel took on water and sunk due to a four inch by three inch gash to the bottom of the vessel. The subjects called friends to tow the vessel back to the dock.  The vessel arrived at Boudreaux's Marina in Leeville, LA at approximately 6:50 pm 12/28/11.  The subjects flagged down a Fourchon Harbor Police Officer and explained to him what happened. the Harbor Police Officer reported the incident to LDWF dispatch, who then dispatched Agents to the scene.  Agents arrived on scene in Leevillel, LA at 8"00 pm 12/28/11.  LDWF Agents found a 4"x3" hole ripped into the center of the hull 2 feet from the transom.  Agents determined this to be the cause of the sinking. The passenger stated he would seek medical attention in his hometown of Baton Rouge, LA for right elbow pain, bicep injury, and busted lip.  The operator did not complain of any injuries.  Louisiana Department Of Wildlife and Fisheries  Agents determined alcohol or drug use to not be a factor in this incident.

Leeville                      