On the date listed above, Vessel 1 (LA8055FX) operated by Operator was traveling west in the Intracoastal with his 2 juvenile sons.  Operator stated he saw a barge and traveled to the south of it.  Operator struck a section of a 500 foot dredge pipe the tug vessel 2 Documentation No. 636305 was towing.  Operator’s oldest son suffered minor injuries to his head was checked by EMS and released on scene.  Agents made contact with the tug operator and he stated they were in the process of turning the 500 foot dredge pipe around when vessel 1 struck the pipe. PFD's were worn by all occupants in Vessel 1.  Steering on vessel 1 was hydraulic.  Alcohol  and drugs were not suspected in the investigation.  Operator stated that he was traveling at approxmately 56 MPH.
Houma                         