On June 26, 2012 at approximately 10:30 p.m (Operator) left Kerns boat landing in Henderson Bay in St. Martin Parish to go frogging in Louisiana vessel LA 577FV.  At approximately 10:30 p.m. the vessel was headed south at full throttle when Operator looked back at the engine.  At this time Operator lost sight of what was in front of him and the bow of the vessel struck a cypress tree.  The force of the impact ejected everyone but one person.  Everyone stated that no one onboard the vessel was wearing a lifejacket (PFD).  Everyone reboarded the vessel and returned to Kerns boat land.  At this time one person drove three others to the emergency room in Breaux Bridge and Operator and one other loaded the vessel on the boat trailer and left the area.  
On June 27, 2012 I interviewed and received statements from two occupants and Operator.  Myself and Senior Agent returned to the scene of the incident and photographed the area and the vessel.  On June 28, 2012 I interviewed and received statements from two. After reviewing all statements and evidence Operator was charged with violating "Rules of the Road" #16 "All vessels shall be operated at a reasonable speed for given conditions and situations and must be under the complete control of the operator at all times" and #20 "Operator shall maintain a proper lookout".  RS:34:851.24F (2) fail to have PFD on person under 17 while underway and RS:34:851.5 Reckless Operation of a watercraft.

Henderson                     