On 09/27/11 at approx. 12:13pm we received a 911 call in reference to a possible drowing near the flood gates on Big Bayou Meto.  Upon officer arrival a witness stated he was fishing upstream from the flood gates when he observed the victim pass by going towards the flood gates at approx. 11:30am.  Witness stated the victim slowed down as he passed and then continued on towards the flood gate at a high rate of speed.  A short time later the witness decided to go back to the boat ramp and as he was approaching the flood gates he observed V1 floating empty next to the west bank approximately 250 yards upstream from the flood gates.  After a quick search the witness located the victim's hat floating in the bayou approx. 100 yards downstream from V1.  Upon my arrival at the scene, V1 was inspected and found the kill switch was missing, the motor was in forward gear and the throttle was turned wide open (tillar handle).  V1's contents were in disarray and up against the right side of V1.  A camo PFD was laying in the floor next to the operator's seat.  

Officers began dragging the area where the victim's hat was located and at 4:35pm the victim was recovered.  The kill switch lanyard was still attached to the left leg of the victim.  

No damage to V1 and it was also noted that the capacity plate had been removed.
GILLETT                       