On November 26, 2011 at about 2:43 a.m. three people were traveling in a 16' pointed skiff in Bayou Boeuf.  Operator was the operator, Occupant1 was sitting on the port side and Occupant2 was sitting on the starboard.  The vessel passed the Amelia Belle Casino and turned back south. After crossing its own wake, the vessel made a hard abrupt starboard turn and Occupant1 was ejected out of the port side. the vessel then turned hard to port then stopped. It then took water over the stern and quickly sank. Occupant1 swam to the west bank and was treated at Teche Regional Hospital in Morgan City for minor injuries. However, Operator and Occupant2 were later recovered from the water and turned over to St. Mary Coroner's Office. Operator was recovered by drag at 10:45 a.m. the same day by St. Martin Parich deputies.  Occupant2 surfaced and was recovered by St. Mary Parish deputies on 11/27/11 at 7:43 a.m., about 1/4 mile north of the accident location. The vessel LA6549BV, powered by a 40hp Mercury has not been recovered. LDWF Enf Agents obtained a video tape of the incident from the Amelia Belle. Although the video shows the sharp turn to starboard and to port, it is still unknown why the vessel made these maneuvers.  On 11/26/11 at about 8:00 a.m. a volunteer hooked what was believed to be Operator's vessel. St. Mary S.O. diver, confirmed that it was the vessel and tied a line to it. The line was attached to a float that was used as a search reference.  However, on 11/27/11 when attempted to lift the vessel, the line broke. subject advised that he did feel the throttle control and that it was in forward gear. As of 11/27/11 the vessel has not been recovered.  The use of alcohol or drugs is pending the Stl Mary Coroner's investigation. None of the subjects were wearing their pfd and because the vessel has not yet been recovered, it is unknown if the kill switch was used. However, when Operator was recovered he was not wearing a kill switch lanyard.  It is also unknown if the vessel had any PFDs.
Amelia                        