Vessel # 1 was traveling upstream in Braud Bayou with two adult male persons on board. Vessel # 2 was traveling downstream with one adult male and juvenile (5yr old) girl on board. Braud Bayou is a narrow and shallow waterway. As they approached a blind curve the respective operators realized that a collision was possible. The operator of vessel # 1 slowed and turned his vessel to starboard eventually coming to rest on the embankment. Vessel # 2 reportedly slowed but had evidently been traveling too fast to slow down enough to avoid a collision. Additionally, the operator of vessel # 1 turned to his port side. Vessel #1 collided with vessel #2 near the center of that vessel on the port side. The bow of vessel #1 struck the five-year-old passenger of vessel #2 causing a very notable laceration to her forehead, breaking her nose and causing her to fall to the deck of the vessel. The bow of vessel #1 also struck the stabilizing handle (operator hand hold) of vessel #2 and bent it notably. Both vessels and all occupants went to a nearby launch. Authorities were notified and responded appropriately. The father of the child who was injured brought her to St. Elizabeth Hospital in Gonzales where she received treatment for the aforementioned injuries.
*No other injuries were reported. Alcohol is not believed to be a factor in this incident. Appropriate PFD’s were found on board each vessel.

DUTCHTOWN                     