The operator, the only occupant of the vessel, was traveling north on 51 Canal when he struck a submerged object causing his vessel to veer to starboard.  opERATOR then struck a piling of Interstate 55 ejecting him from his vessel. He was wearing a type III PFD and was able to swim back to his vessel which was lodged on stumps under Interstate 55.  He was not wearing the safety switch lanyard. Operator sustained injuries to his mouth, several teeth knocked out, and minor cuts on his left arm. He was checked by EMS at Ruddock boat launch but refused any furthur medical treatment.  Agents observed no signs of intoxication and there was no indication of drug or alcohol use by Operator .  Upon investigating the scene the following morning, Sgt. hit a submerged object in the area with his patrol vessel. From that location, Sgt. observed the path Operator took before making impact with the piling. There was a path cut through vegetation under I-55 leading to the piling, on which was transference of blue paint and fiberglass from Operator's vessel.
LaPlace                       