At approximately 8:30 am on May 24, 2009, operator was traveling south in a cut through bayou between Bobby Lynns marina and the East-West Canal just north of the Leeville Bridge in Lafourche Parish. Operator stated, that after crossing the wake of a north bound vessel, a minnow bucket he had on the floor of his vessel had tipped over. Operator and his passenger, his wife, both began picking up the minows that had spilled on the floor of the vessel. Operator advised Agent that he continued on step at the same speed approximately 25 to 30 mph. while he and his wife continued to pick up the minnows.  Operator stated that it could only have been a couple of seconds when he looked up and saw that the front of his vessel was beginning to hit the canal bank. Operator advised agent that he pulled back the throttle and his vessel launched into the air and clipped several trees that were clustered on the bank.  t\The vessel came to rest approximately 25 to 30 yards on shore. Both occupants remained inside the vessel the entire time. The injuries sustained to Operator were several lacerations to his right arm and right forehead. The injuries to wife were seveal lacerations to her face, one laceration to her head and she had back and right hip pain.  The x-rays taken were negative. Operator was issued a citation for 34:851.5, reckless operation of a watercraft and released.
Leeville                      