Vessel 1, a 17ft LDWF Enforcement airboat (LA 2558 PU) operated by Sgt., was in the area inspecting deer hunters who were hunting from permanent stands on the Wildlife Management Area. The operator of Vessel 2, a 15ft fiberglass mudboat (LA 2590 FS), had parked the vessel with the bow along the marsh bank and the stern still in the water of a small pothole in the marsh attached to a ditch. The bow of the vessel was not tied to the bank or anchored down. After Sgt. checked the hunter/operator, who was still in his deer stand, Vessel 1 was positioned next to and parallel with Vessel 2. After pushing the bow away from the bank, Vessel 1 was perpendicular to Vessel 2, which was still in its original position. Vessel 1 slowly increased thrust until reaching the small ditch, and was still perpendicular to Vessel 2.  In order to navigate through the ditch, Vessel 1 increased thrust.  In doing so, the bow of Vessel 2was pushed into the air due to the air thrust of Vessel 1's propeller. This caused the stern of Vessel 2 to submerge below the water line. Vessel 2 subsequently swamped and capsized.
 
There was no alcohol involved in the incident and PFD were worn. There were no injuries.

DES ALLEMANDS                 