Vessel 2, LA-4928 GA, was at anchor on the Eastern shoreline of Bayou Bonfouca, near its intersection with Bayou Liberty.  Vessel 2 had two occupants on board, both of which were fishing.  Vessel 1, LA-9599-FL, was Southbound in Bayou Bonfouca with four occupants on board. Vessel 1 navigated a turn in the bayou he grossly crossed to left of center of the channel. This action caused Vessel 1 to strike Vessel 2 on it's port bow.  Vessel 2 then rotated clockwise as Vessel 1 ramped over it.  Both occupants of Vessel 2 were struck by the hull of Vessel 1 before being ejected.  

The occupants of Vessel2 stated to agents during the investigation that they had an illuminated electric lantern, visible from 360 degrees, sitting on top of an ice chest on the deck of the boat at the time of the incident.  The female occupant of Vessel 2 also stated that she was shining a flashlight towards the oncoming vessel before impact. The operator of Vessel 1 state that he saw no lights nor the vessel prior to impact.  All PFD requirements were met with both vessel. Alcohol is suspected to be a factor in the incident. The responding Deputy allowed the operator of Vessel 1 to return to his vessel prior to agent's arrival.  The operator of Vessel 1 was observed by Agt. consuming an alcoholic beverage upon his arrival.  HGN and field sobriety tests were conducted on the operator of Vessel 1.  The results showed indicators of intoxication.  Due to the fact that Operator1 was allowed to consume alcohol after the incident and before the agent's arrival, agents were not able to decisively conclude the level of intoxication at the time of the incident.
SLIDELL