On the above date and time, Operator was operating a fifteen foot vessel that was being powered by a 40 hp Yamaha tiller steer motor.  Operator was travelling south in the State Canal with three passengers, when he approached a bridge on La Hwy 10.  Operator was passing under the bridge when his motor struck an object under the surface of the water, causing the motor to kick up.  Operator did not have the cowling on the motor and when the motor kicked up, he was struck in the arm by the motor.  Operator received a large laceration to the top of his left forearm from the fly wheel of the motor.  Operator was later taken to Our Lady of Lourdes in Lafayette for medical treatment.  PFD's were aboard the vessel but not in use.  Alcohol and Narcotics use is not suspected.
Melville