On 5/3/2011 at approx 7:15 a.m. vessel #1 was traveling up river maneuvering in a curve on the tangipahoa river approx 3/4s of a mile from lee's landing boat launch. Operator1 Stated that vessel #2 was traveling down river in the same curve at a high rate of speed on his side of the river and struck his vessel on the port (left) front bow section. Operator of vessel #2 Advised that he was traveling down river and slowed his vessel down to about 15 m.p.h. as he approached the curve. He stated that he was as far to his right side as he could safely get when vessel #1 came around the curve in his flat boat at a high rate of speed and struck his vessel on the port side bow area dislodging the upper cap of the vessel. The damage to both of the vessels is consistant with the operators statements. Both vessels left the scene after determining that there were no injuries. Operator1 then reported the incident when he got to work at approx 8:30 am. The discrepancy lies with who was on the wrong side of the river and both operators are stating they were on their side of the river. Vessel #1 clearly was traveling too fast to manuever his vessel in the curve and crossed over to their side and struck their vessel, see witness statements. No injuries were reported other than a bruised knee of the operator of vessel #1. After investigation was completed this agent cannot prove who was on the wrong side of the river. No non-interested parties observed the incident therefore no citations were issued at this time.
PONCHATOULA                   