operator of vessel LA4262FE and his passenger were returning from his camp on Bird Island Chute off of Lake Dauterive in Iberia Parish.  When Operator reached the area known as the Boulevard his fuel line lost prime and his motor began to die.  Operator then instructed Occupant to pump the fuel line bulb so his engine would run as they returned to the Marshfield boat landing.  Operator advised at interview that he was aware of the fuel line problem and that this had happened on a previous outing with his girlfriend.  Operator also advised that this was Occupant's first time in a boat and he was not familiar with its operation.  While navigating on the Boulevard Operator advised that he turned his head to the left to see if Occupant was pumping the fuel line bulb as instructed.  Operator's actions also caused him to steer his vessel to port and before he could look back his vessel struck a cypress tree head on.  

Occupant was thrust forward and struck his head on the cypress tree causing serious head injury.  Operator was protected by the steering console which was partially ripped loose from the floor of the vessel upon impact.  Operator suffered minor bruising on both legs.  After the impact Operator was able to return to Dauterive landing where someone called 911.  Iberia Fire Rescue and Acadiana Ambulance were dispatched to the scene.  Another person performed first aid until help arrived.  Occupant's injuries were determined to be severe and he was then taken by Air Med to Lafayette General Hospital.  Fire Chief and others were all in direct contact with Operator and Occupant at the Marshfield landing and stated that they saw no indications that alcohol was involved in the incident.  The cause of the incident was determined as being equipment failure with the fuel line, inattention of the operator and Rules of the Road; Rule #20 No Proper Lookout.  Operator's vessel was properly equipped with 3 Type III PFD's but was missing a Type IV throwable, sound producing device and a fire extinguisher required on a Class 1 vessel.  Operator also failed to display proper registration numbers on his vessel.

Loreauville                   