On 5/18/11 at approximately 0845, I, Sgt. was notified of a boating incident which had occurred in the Atchafalaya Basin. I was advised that the parties involved were at the Belle River Public Landing and that one passenger was being transported by Acadian Ambulance to Teche Regional Medical in Morgan City. occupant was complaining of back pain. After speaking with the operator and the other passenger it was learned that they were traveling in a pipeline canal, known as the Southern Natural, when they struck a piling. The piling was covered with grass due to the high water in the Basin.  the subjects were not wearing their PFD's but the driver did have his kill switch attached to his person. No drugs or alcohol was involved in this incident. Also there was no visible damage to the vessel or the engine. Note: A picture if the piling was unable to be obtained because the water had risen since the incident causing the piling to be completely submerged.
Belle River                   