On 6/3/2011 operator was operating vessel LA 4795 EX on the Joseph Harbor Canal on Rockefeller Refuge.  This is an 18' Express with a 115 Yamaha outboard engine with remote steering on a side console.  Operator had five (5) children as passengers, all were 13 years old and younger.  There were two  (2) children sitting on pedestal seats, one foreward and one aft.  As the vessel was leaving the "concrete dam" area of Rockefeller Refuge the vessel began idling southward down the main canal.  When he was clear of the no wake zone the operator began to accelerate and bring the vessel on step.  As he did so there was a large plastic bucket sitting on the floor of the vessel that began to "hover" because of the rising velocity of the wind through the vessel.  The bucket began to fly from the vessel and in front of the operator.  He instinctively grabbed the bucket as it struck him from the front.  Upon doing so the operator temporarily released the steering and the vessel turned sharply to the starboard. 
The operator immediately regained control of tthe vessel and corrected the steering back to port.   In doing so the child was thrown off balance and was ejected from the starboard side of  the bow. The progression of the vessel's aft section carried the foot of the engine over child while he was in the water.  This motion resulted in child being struck by the propeller of the vessel.  Child sustained injuries which included a broken femur, a lacerated patella, and deep lacerations to the thigh and knee of the left leg.  There were no other injuries even though the child sitting on the rear pedestal seat was ejected as well.  The passenger from the rear pedestal was retrieved first as she was closest to the vessel.  Child was then retreived from the water by his father, the operator of the vessel, and was taken back to the Joseph Harbor boat launch.  Agents were at the boat launch and administered first aid until the paramedics arrived, approximately 15 minutes later.  Child was airlifted by Acadiana Ambulance helicopter to Lafayette General Hospital where he later underwent surgery for the injuries sustained.  All subjects were wearing their pfds and there was no alcochol involvement.

Grand Chenier                 