Two subjects departed for a boat ride/fishing trip from the Bonnabel Public boat launch at approximately 6:45 p.m.on Sunday 10/06/13 in Vessel 1 (LA-0497-SH)(18"-Lamar 1974 model). The operator/owner and the passenger proceeded at idle speed from the launch eastward to the south Shore Harbor despite the extremely rough seas due to the cold front pushing through the area. The operator and passenger arrived to the area just north of the harbor breakwater where they stopped and tied up to a piling. The 2 subjects started working on the bilge pump for approximately 20-30 minutes. At some point during this time the bow line either became untied, was severed, or failed due to the violent wave action.  The two subjects tried to start the motor but it would not start.  They were unable to stop the boat from drifting.  The strong northerly winds pushed the vessel  against the concrete breakwater and battered it repeatedly against the structure causing catastrophic hull failure. Vessel 1 began to take on water and sinking very quickly. The operator was able to climb onto the concrete structure from the vessel before is submerged.  He then fired an emergency flare.  Some people at the marina noticed the flare, went to the area and were able to rescue the passenger utilizing a rope. The passenger was taken to University Hospital in New Orleans where he was treated for minor injuries. The operator and passenger stated that the operator's dog was on the vessel and that they saw it go under water and not resurface.  The contributing factors are operator inattention, operator inexperience, and weather.  It is not believed that alcohol or drugs contributed to this incident directly.
NEW ORLEANS