On August 29, 2011 at approx. 18:00 hrs, a 15.5’ Donzi Jet boat (LA7752FP) was travelling southbound in the Tchefuncte River, just north of the Beau Chine Marina with three persons on board (operator and passengers) and in a turn to the right in order to negotiate a bend in the river. The vessel continued in its turn to starboard (right) until it was at a 90 degree angle to the right descending bank and collided with a small cypress tree and finally coming to rest among several cypress knees near the bank, ejecting the two passengers from the bow section of the vessel, each passenger sustaining minor injuries. Both passengers (a 23 year old woman and an 8 yr. old boy) were transported to Northlake Regional Hospital and treated for minor injuries. The vessel sustained extensive hull damage in the incident. Alcohol is not considered to be a factor in this incident and PFDs were properly used. Operator was later cited for violation of La. RS 14:99” Reckless operation (watercraft) and 34:851.20C “Failure to change ownership of registration (45 days)”. (Operator had purchased the vessel on 1-7-11 and had failed to have the vessel registered in his name). The vessel sustained major hull damage on the port side chine area as well as rub rail damage to the bow. Opeartor stated that he had been traveling approx. -15 to 20 mph at the time of the collision, and the amount of damage observed seems to be consistent with Opeartor statement. Operator could not give and explanation as to why he had guided his vessel into the tree and into the bank, and no mechanical problems that would have caused this incident were found.
MADISONVILLE                  