Vessel #1 is believed to have been cruising at high speed up Cane River Lake after sunset (8:08pm).  As vessel #1 approached the Washington Street boat ramp area, it struk and ran over vessel #2.  Vessel #2 is believed to have just departed the boat ramp traveling at low speed.  No one involved was seperated from the vessels.  No PFD use was required.  No equipment failure was noted.  Investigators believe that all 5 persons aboard vessel #1 were impaired by alcohol including the operator.  There was alcohol aboard vessel #1 and a number of unopened and empty containers.  The poor light conditions at the time of the accident (about 8:45pm) and the excessive speed of vessel #1 contributed to the accident.  That neither boat displayed a white stern light may have contributed to the accident, although both boats are believed to have displayed red and green bow (front) lights, and the collision was head on.  There was alcohol aboard vessel #2.  No empty or partial containers were noted.  NPRMC medical personnel reported to not detect alcohol use by the operator of vessel #2.  The injured total on the original 5-25-09 cover sheet listed 6 injured.  It appears that the correct number is 5 injured.
NATCHITOCHES                  