operator was operating vessel, MI-7445-BN in “Old River” off of Bogue Chitto River near Bush, La. The vessel was a 14’ Weldcraft powered by a 25 HP Yamaha hand tiller outboard. Both subjects were ejected from the vessel. Upon interviewing Passenger, he stated that they were in a hurry to bait lines before dark. He said they were traveling pretty fast and hit a submerged object, which caused the tiller to be jerked from Operator’s grip. The vessel then struck a large tree head on, ejecting both occupants. Operator sustained injuries to his lower right leg. Passenger sustained minor injuries to his head and facial area. Operator was transported via Acadian to University Hospital New Orleans. Passenger refused medical treatment. There were no PFD’s present at the scene of the incident, nor were there any in the vessel. The emergency cut-off lanyard was attached to the engine and the end that is to be attached to the operator was clipped to the carry handle on the outboard engine. Alcohol nor drugs are suspected to be a factor in this incident.
bush