On 3/25/12, LA Wildlife and Fisheries Agents were contacted by dispatch of a boating accident that occurred in the early hours of that day. Agents made contact with Sgt with the Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office who advised that a white male subject was found by passing boaters at approxmately 6:30 A.M. on the north bank of the Intracoastal just east of Bayou Lafourche.  The subject was identified.  Agents arrived on scene and learned that Occupant was at his residence changing into dry clothes. Agents made contact with Occupant who stated that he and his friend Operator decided to go frogging approximately 1:30 A.M. that morning. He said they launched the vessel at approximately 3:00 A.M. and began traveling east in the Intracoastal waterway for approximately 10-15 minutes.  He stated that Operator was operating the vessel owned by Occupant. Occupant stated that he was not familiar with the area so Operator chose to drive the vessel.  He stated that they slowed down and shined the spot light to see where they were and began traveling slowly east.  Occupant stated that as they increased speed they struck an object in the water which caused the bow of the vessel to lift upward and the boat to shift to the Starboard.  

When the boat shifted he fell to the right of the vessel which then caused the starboard strn side of the vessel to take on water.  This caused the vessel to take on water and sink into the intracoastal.Once the vessel sunk Occupant stated he could see the bow of  vessel sticking out the water approximately 2 foot with the running light still on.He stated that Operator told him "we have to swim Champ". Occupant stated that he had a type 3 inflatable PFD on and tried to ppull the cord for it to inflate but it failed.  He stated that he then swam to the north bank and stood up once he hit shallow water.  He stated that he called out for Operator but did not hear him.  He also stated that he could see the boat floating.  Occupant then began to walk west toward Larose where he was picked up by the passing boaters at approximately 6:30 A.M.  Agents arrived on scene at approximately 8:15 A.M. and began searching for Operator and the vessel.  Agentss located the gas can for the vessel, one type 3 inflatable PFD, one Dock Martin Dress Shoe, and 2 Floating Bud Light Cans.  Occupant stated that he had been drinking the previous day and hours leading to the accident.  Agents also spoke to witnesses who stated that Operator had also consumed several alcoholic beverages before the accident occurred.  Occupant  stated that the vessel was equipped with one Type 2 PFD, but Operator did not have it on at the time of the accident.  Occupant stated that the vessel was equipped with one Type 2 PFD, but Operator did not have it on at the time of the accident.  Occupant staated the vessel was 14' with a 23HP Longtail Go-Devil engine.

Larose                        