On March 19,2011 vessel, LA 2803 AK, was being operated.  Occupant was located in front of console and was seated.  Vessel made a sudden violent turn to starboard ejecting both men from the port side of the vessel.  Vessel's propeller then struck both men.  Operator was removed from the water and was taken to University Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Occupant was seen by eye witness, and family member unconscious in the water, and while removing Operator from the water he lost visual contact with him.  Family member was in his own boat and was NOT PHYSICALLY INVOLVED in the incident. LDWDF in conjunction with the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff's Marine Division and U.S. Coast Guard continued search and rescue missions for Occupant.  Neither of the men were wearing PFD's and the kill switch lanyard was not attached to the boat or operator.  However, the kill switch was in the up position to allow the motor to operate. No alcohol was found in the vessel when investigators arrived on the scene.  The vessel, LA 2803 AK, which is described as an 18 foot Campagna with a 75 hp Mercury outboard motor was seized by LDWF agents for investigative purposes.  The vessel was tagged with evidence tag 67897 and is being stored at the LDWF impound yard located in Chalmette until conclusion of the investigation.  As of March 22, 2011 the body of Occupant was located near the GPS coordinates provided by family member.  He was transported to the Orleans parish Coroner's Office.
CHALMETTE                     