On 7/4/10 at about 1910 hrs vessel #1 occupied by five people was south bound in Bayou Long near Stevensville. At the same time LA 7587 FD, occupied by five people was north bound. Both operators advised that they were on the right side of the channel. The two vessels approached each other in a nearly head on situation. After attempts by both operators to avoid a collision, vessel #2 turned hard to starboard and vessel #1 struck the port quarter of Vessel #2. Upon impact, three occupants of vessel #1; one person struck the steering wheel, another struck the forward console and the third was ejected from the front of the vessel. The third person was recovered from the water by vessel #1. Just after impact, vessel #2 headed to the bank and unloaded all of the occupants just before the vessel quickly sank. There was only one occupant (the child) involved in the incident that was wearing his PFD. Neither operator was wearing a killswitch lanyard. SFST was performed on both operators. V2 operator had no signs of intoxication. Opeartor1 was transported to teche Hospital and treated for injuries. Operator1 submitted to a blood test to determine his BAC and toxicology. Both subjects will be charged with reckless operation of a watercraft. Further charges are pending LSP crime lab scientific analysis.
Morgan City                   