On 4-29-12 Agent was notified of a single boat accident in the Delcambre Canal by the Iberia Sheriff's Office.  All three subjects involved were transported to the Iberia Medical Center.  Upon arriving at the hospital Agent interviewed the operator and the two passengers.  Operator stated that he was maneuvering his vessel LA7132FT south down the Delcambre Canal to go fishing.  He noticed that the plug in the stern of the vessel had come out and was filling the rear of the vessel with water.  He then leaned over to fasten the plug and in doing so veered the vessel towards the western bank without noticing.  At this moment someone in the vessel yelled his name and the vessel struck a piling located near the bank head on.  One of the passengers, flew to the front of the vessel along with the operator.  The third passenger was thrown into the water.  Operator noticed that Occupant in the vessel was unconscious for a brief moment.  He then tried to start the vessel and failed to do so because the kill switch lanyard was attached to him still.  He then flagged down a boat passing by and asked them to get the other occupant out of the water.  He managed to get the vessel started, pick up the other occupant and return to the landing.  The three of them then went to the Iberia Medical Center.  The other two passengers that were in the vesesl gave the same account of details that transpired.  
All three subjects claimed to have been wearing PFD's at the time of the accident.  Operator also claims that he had the kill switch lanyard attached to his PFD while operating the vessel.  A blood alcohol test was performed at the hospital on Operator and results are pending.  There was no indication of alcohol or drug use by Operator.  Operator along with the passengers did not possess a boating safety education card required by law to drive a vessel on state waters.  Agent explained to operator that he violated Rule #16-All vessels shall be operated at reasonable speeds for given conditions and situations and must be under the complete control of the operator at all times.  Operator was cited with citation for Reckless Operation of a watercraft and Failing to comply with Boaters Education Requirements.
Delcambre                     