Operator and a female subject were heading north down 7th Ward Canal in Operator's vessel.  operator of the vessel stated that he and the female subject were talking and not paying attention.  Operator stated that when he noticed his vessel was real close to the bank he tried to steer it back to the center of the canal, but hit the bank and then hit a tree throwing him and the female subject toward the bow of the vessel.  Occupant hit her head on the trolling motor that was mounted on the bow of the vessel causing severe lacerations.  Operator was traveling at a speed that did not allow him to stop in time to avoid collision.

D453419 was issued to operator for reckless operation of a watercraft.
Abbeville                     