On January 11, 2013 Sgt of Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Division of Law Enforcement was contacted by the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office, regarding a boat accident on the Pearl River just southeast of the city of Bogalusa, in an are commonly referred to as the “Ox Lot”. Sgt as well as S/A responded to the scene and the following transpired; At approximately 0515 hrs a 13 feet “Bayou Special” flat boat operated by Operator and his passenger were leaving the Ox Lot canal preparing to enter the main river channel of the Pearl River and while transvering high flood waters at a very slow speed the vessel was pushed against some standing trees which resulted in it listing to the port side allowing water to enter the vessel causing it to roll and capsize. 

Both occupants were thrown into the water and neither were wearing a PFD. After being thrown into the water, Occupant was able to throw Operator a PFD from the capsized vessel and once he did so, he was able to dislodge the capsized vessel and as the current took it down river, it passed in close proximity to Operator who grabbed hold of it and drifted away in the swift current. Occupant remained on a log jam until approximately 0915 hrs when a passing boater rescued him. At 1010 hrs Operator was located by LDWF enforcement agents standing on a log drift approximately 1.5 miles south of the initial capsizing. The vessel was never located and presumed sank. Operator and Occupant were both seen by medics of Northshore EMS, however both refused transport and treatment. Neither alcohol nor drugs are considered as contributing factors in the accident and even though PFD’s were accessible, they were not worn in accordance with state law. 

Upon completion of the accident investigation it was learned that the vessel Operator was operating was not equipped with running lights and even though PFD’s were onboard, neither Operator nor Occupant wore one.  Operator was issued citation and cited in accordance with LRS 34:851.24B “No running lights” and LRS 34:851.24 “Failure to comply with PFD requirements for Class A tiller handle outboard”. No further information concerning the aforementioned incident is to follow at this time…
BOUGALUSA