On March 5, 2011, at approximately 6:25 a.m. LDWF enforcement agent was notified of a boat incident which occurred in the Atchafalaya near Morgan City. occupant advised that he was travelling south in the Atchafalaya River when he struck a log which knocked his lower unit off of his outboard motor. On this morning visibility was restricted by very dense fog and it was just turning daylight at the time. Agent talked to Operator about the incident and he advised that he hit a submerged log, (advised he could not see it), in the river. 
Agent then asked if he saw what he hit after the impact and Operator advised that he did. He advised that it was longer than Agent vessel which is 20 ft. in length and it had just floated by in the current. Agents found the log that was apparently struck, it was approximately 45 ft in length and floating approximately 8 inches out of the water. This log had a white transfer  mark that was consistent with the keel and a deep gouge caused by Operator' vessel. Agents spoke to Operator again and he advised that he  saw the log approximately 40 to 50 yards ahead of his vessel but there was nothing he could do to avoid impact. Agents then asked Operator how fast he was travelling and he advised that he wasn't sure but thought that he was going about 40 miles per hour. He also advised that he became airborne and cleared that log after impact. Due to the given conditions Operator should have been operating at a speed which allowed him to steer safely and stop at a reasonable distance. In accordance with navigational rules of the road for vessels RS 34:851.27A a subsection 301 D rule number 16 states that all vessels shall be operated at reasonable speeds for given conditons and situations and must be under the complete control of the operator at all times. Operator was cited for Reckless Operation of a watercraft RS 34:851.5. Both Operator and his passenger were wearing PFD's and Operator had the kill switch attached to his pfd. No alcohol or drugs were suspected.

Berwick                       