On April 11th, 2011, at approximately 4:00pm, operator was operating a 17' Express Aluminum vessel with a 50 hp Yamaha tiller handle outboard motor on the Tensas River in Franklin Parish.  The motor struck a submerged underwater object (primary factor 1 struck submerged object).  At the point Operator was ejected from the vessel (secondary factor 2 excessive speed).  Operator  was wearing a Type III PFD, but failed to have the kill switch attached to his person.  Upon ejection from the vessel, Operator sustained injuries to his left leg.  After being ejected, the vessel continued for approximately one-half mile due to the fact of the kill switch not being attached to the operator (tertiary factor 3 operator inattention).  Operator swam to the Tensas Parish side of the bank and proceeded n foot to where the vessel had came to rest.  Operator then swam out and retrieved  the vessel.  At approximately 6:00pm, a passing vessel stopped and assisted Operator. Operator secured the vessel he was operating to a houseboat on the Franklin Parish bank of the Tensas River. Operator was later transported to St. Francis Medical Center in Monroe, LA for treatment to his injured leg. 

At approximately 8:35pm, I, Sr. Agent, was contacted by Lt. about Operator's boating accident. Sgt. and Sgt. were also contacted.  Sgt.  and I responded to retrieve evidence and document damage to the vessel while Sgt. interviewed Operator at St. Francis Medical Center.

Wisner                        