On this day, approximately 10 a.m., Operator lost control of his 21 ft. Ranger boat while trying to avoid an oncoming boat. Operator grounded his vessel on the adjacent bank between two cypress trees. Operator and his passenger were not injured.  Operator and Passenger were brought to the Belle River public landing by the two unidentified boaters.  From there, Operator called subject to obtain a secondary boat and then called the tournament director of the Bass Master tournament  to let him know that he was ok.  A backup vessel was brought to Operator and Passenger and he continued fishing in a Bass Master tournament that they were participating in.  The St. Martin Sheriff' Office was contacted by a boater who noticed the vessel grounded, with no occupants around.  St. Martin water patrol was activated and Agent was contacted by Lt. of a possible search and rescue mission at 10:50 a.m.  Approximately 12:30 p.m. Agents were notified that the operator and passenger of the vessel were ok. and were also informed that Operator and passenger were brought in a secondary vessel earlier, so they could continue to fish in their bass tournament.  Agents were also informed by the tournament director that Operator and Passenger would meet them at the Berwick Landing at 2"00 p.m., the weight in time for the tournament.  Agents met with Operator and Passenger at 2 p.m. and obtained statements from both individuals.  Operator told agents that he was traveling down Big Bayou Pigeon and took a narrow cut to the right, which led to the Skeeter Canal.  While doing so, he noticed an oncoming vessel. Operator stated he pulled off of his throttle, putting it in neutral, while trying to avoid the coming boat. Operator told the agents that he could not turn the boat, and hit the bank, between two Cypress trees.  Type II PFDs were worn by the driver and passenger of the boat.  After obtaining statements, agents returned to the Belle River public landing and visited the scene of the incident, where photographs were taken.  The following day, Operator was issued a citation for reckless operation of a watercraft.
Charenton                     