Vessel 1 was traveling south and vessel 2 was traveling north.  According to the operator of vessel 2 (74' tug boat pushing 5 barges), vessel 1 appeared that it was going to pass on his starboard, until just before that time it abruptly turned in the path of the lead barge . The operator of vessel 2 stated he then observed a large splash in that area and stopped his vessel and barges and called authorities. Agents arrived on the scene and could not locate vessel 1 or its operator.  At approximately 5:00pm,8/8/10, the body of the operator of vessel 1 was recovered near the incident scene. PFD's were not used by either party. Vessel 2 was equipped with all necessary safety equipment and navigation lights.  It is unknown  if Vessel 1 was equipped with PFD's or navigation lights.  The operator of vessel 2 showed no signs of intoxication and submitted a proper breath and urine sample at Berwick Police Department. His breath BAC results were .000 and results on his urine are pending tesing by LA State Police Crime Lab.  Two subjects who refused to give written statements advised agents that the operator of vessel 1 had been drinking beer with them at a camp prior to the incident. An ice chest was recovered floating near the incident scene which family members advised belonged to  the operator of vessel 1. Agents observed 13/12oz beer and 8/7oz beers in the ice chest.  A post mortem blood sample was  taken by the St. Martin Parish Coroner with results pending. The deceased had no signs of serious wounds or trauma.
Belle River                   