This report was submitted by Officer of DMR. Two vessels were traveling on Rotten Bayou in different directions. While the vessels went around a bend they became head on. operator of Vessel 1 stated that he turned to the starboard direction to get closer to the bank and Vessel 2 turned away and then turned back back in front of him. Operator of Vessel 2 states that when the vessels were entering the bend once they met head on that he steered to starboard direction and Vessel 1 steered in front of him. The vessels then collided and the occupants of Vessel 1 were ejected from the vessel. The occupants of Vessel 2 were thrown to the front of the vessel and a small child was severely injured. The child was transported into Devils Elbow by a passer-by and then taken to Hancock Medical Center were at approximately 2337 hrs was pronouced dead by ER staff. Officers took blood samples of both operators and are waiting test results from the State Crime Lab. Damage to Vessel 1 was on the bow port side, down the port side of the hull and stern port side. Damage to Vessel 2 was the entire bow area of the vessel and port seat was broken loose, driver seat broken completely off and both windshields were broken off. Both vessels were seized for investigation purposes. The County Corner ruled the caused of death to victim was due to crushed cervical spinal cord, dislocated cervical spine, and deep laceration/impact injury of back and neck.
Diamonhead                    