On August 13, 2011, at approximately 3:50 P.M., LDWF Dispatcher reported a boating accident involving one vessel on Saline Bayou in Rapides Parish.  Lt. responded to the Open Bayou Landing on Saline Bayou. Sgt. responded to Rapides Regional Hospital in Alexandria.  Upon arrival, we made contact with the operator of the vessel and his wife.  Operator stated he was not injured, but informed us that his wife was struck by the outboard motor when it was knocked loose from the transom after hitting a submerged stump.  We were informed that she received several lacerations on her back from the propeller on the outboard motor.  The impact of the motor to her back also resulted in several fractured ribs and a collapsed lung.
     Operator advised us that he and his two passengers were wearing their PFD's and his lanyard engine cut-off switch was connected to his person  He informed us that the motor was knocked into the boat striking his wife in the back and finally landing in the middle of the boat.  He stated his wife was thrown forward by the impact of the motor and the forward momentum of the boat.
     Operator voluntarily submitted a blood sample for toxicology testing, while he was at the hospital.
    Agents seized Operator's boat for further investigation.  Agents retrieved the GPS cooridinates on the location of the accident and observed the submerged stump that was struck by the motor.

DEVILLE                       