On 11/12/11 at 7:30 A.M., Operator crossed Lake Long in a 16.5 aluminum mud boat with remote steering and a 68 hp Subaru inboard motor. Operator had two passengers on board. the weather was cloudy with calm waters and light winds. Air temperature was 80 degrees and water temperature was 70 degrees. Operator states he was cruising at approximately 20 mph and moving to another hunting position in 2 ft. of water. The vessel contained 3 type 3 and one type 4 flotation devices. Operator states that neither him nor his passengers wore PFDs. Operator was in forward motion when he struck a submerged object at position 29 34.657'N 090 33.148'W. 

Operator and the two passengers were thrown to the bow of the vessel upon impact. Operator states that the kill-switch lanyard shut off his engine. The men attempted to free their vessel from the submerged object, but were unsuccessful. A nearby duck hunter (unknown name) then assisted in pulling Operator's vessel free from the submerged object. Operator took his boat to Texas Gulf Road public boat launch. Operator examined his vessel for damage and found that the vessel had damage to the strut, rudder, battery box, and steering mechanisms. Operator returned the vessel to Operators's home in Chauvin, LA. and reported the incident to the LA Dept WLF. The 3 men then proceeded to Terrebonne General Medical Center Emergency Room to be examined for injuries. LDWF Agents met the 3 men at Terrebonne General Medical Center for interviewing. None of the men appeared to be intoxicated during interviewing. All of the men denied being on narcotic substances or having alcoholic beverages. All 3 men were later released from Terrebonne General Medical Center on 11/12/11 with only minor injuries. Agents arrived at the site of the collision on 11/13/11 at 10:00 A.M. Agents discovered a metal object approximately one and a half feet beneath the surface of the water using an aluminum push pole. Agents estimate the object to be approximately 70 feet long and 8-10 inches wide. Agents found the submerged object hastily marked with wooden posts at each end.

Lockport                      