On June 10, 2013, a collision occurred in Flatboat pass between LA948FW, an 8' aluminum work boat and LA 8077 GA, a 24' Skeeter Bay boat.  During the collision, the work boat completely ramped over the bay boat, ultimately causing the death of the operator and the serious bodily injury two people. 

When LDWF investigators contacted the operator of the work vessel, Subject1 professed himself to be the operator at the time of the incident.  Further investigation revealed that Operator2 was in fact the sole operator at the time of the incident.  LDWF subsequently arrested, Subject1, Operator2 and subject2  pertaining to a coverup as to who was operating the work vessel at the time of the incident.  A court ordered drug test performed on 06/19/2013 on Operator2 tested positive for Cocaine and Methamphetamine. 

Both vessels had remote hydraulic steering, no one was wearing a PFD nor used a PFD. Excessive speed, careless operation and violation of Rule 6 of the Navigation Rules contributed to the accident.
 
Results of the reconstruction show that the vessel, The Big Daddy "LA 4948 FW" ramped the Skeeter "LA 8077 GA". Both operators violated USCG Inland Navigation Rule 6 by operating their respective vessels in a narrow bayou "Flatboat Pass" with tall roseau canes on both sides that restricted visibility in a curve. Because operator2 went into a blind turn with limited visibility on plane, her actions directly contributed to the death of one and serious bodily injury to two.
VENICE