On 8/21/2011, Sgt. received a call from the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office regarding a single vessel accident. Sgt. was notified that the operator of the vessel, had sustained a neck injury and was being transported via ambulance to Thibodaux General Hospital. Sgt. headed to the landing at Falgout Canal to photograph & collect evidence from the vessel involved. Lt. proceeded to the hospital to interview Operator.  Operator advised agents that she was operating a PWC (Personal Watercraft) in Lake Decade. Operator was wearing a PFD & also had the kill lanyard attached. Operator stated that she drank about 3 12oz. bud light beers earlier in the day.  She also stated that her brother was also on board the PWC. Operator stated that she made a sharp turn while cruising which caused both her and her brother to be thrown off of the PWC.  She was complaining of severe neck pain, and was transported to Thibodaux General Hospital via ambulance. Agents advised Operator of her rights and she gave consent to give a blood sample (taken by registered nurse at Thibodaux General Hospital). Operator also stated that she had 5-10 hours of experience operating a PWC.  Agents then determined that the contributing factors to the accident were a combination of operator inexperience (subjects on board were thrown off watercraft due to a sharp turn), and excessive speed (if subject would have been traveling at appropriate speed and taking a sharp turn they would not have been ejected from the watercraft). Agent issued Operator a citation for Wreckless Operation of a Watercraft. The blood sample will be taken to the state police crime lab to determine if Operator was under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs (pending).
Houma                         