Subject was operating his vessel, an aluminum 17 ft Custom Craft in Tide Water Canal.  The vessel was equipped with a 70hp Yamaha outboard steered remotely.  Subject entered a side canal which had a line of pilings extending from the bank towards the center of the canal on both sides of the canal.  The center section of the canal, approximately 70 ft, was left open to allow for small vessel traffic.  Subject claimed to have been travelling towards the pilings and looked down for a moment.  When he looked up he collided with a set of pilings along the starboard side of the canal.  The subject was thrown forward striking the steering console breaking his right hip and leg.   The subject did not indicate whether or not he had on a PFD or ignition safety switch, but neither were found in the vessel when it was inspected by investigators.  The subject was interviewed at the emergency room of Chabert Medical Center in Houma.  Before making contact with the subject, several of the medical staff who were attending the subject  and were the people who contacted LDWL to report the accident, stated that upon beginning their treatment of the subject, noted signs of obvious chemical impairment.  Upon interviewing the subject, he admitted to consuming several beers as well as prescription medication prior to operating his vessel.  The subject submitted  a blood sample to test for intoxication.  Results pending.
Golden Meadow                 