RedactedNarrative: On April 28, 2017, operator was traveling with his 7 year old grandson in a pipeline canal just south of Superior Canal and Bayou Penchant headed to his camp off of another pipeline canal.  
  
  Operator stated he was traveling at 3000rpm’s which is approximately 20mph for his vessel.  Operator turned in his seat to look behind him and his vessel began to steer to the bank on the starboard side. 
  
  As Operator turned forward again, he saw trees and attempted to put the vessel into reverse so as not to crash into a tree.  Operator’s vessel (LA0552JA) struck a tree located at N29*28.159 W91*03.395 and he was thrown forward into the steering wheel and windshield.  Operator’s grandson was also thrown forward and landed underneath Operator unhurt.  
  
  Operator’s vessel drifted off of the tree and into the middle of the canal where his friends found him several minutes later.  At that time, Operator advised he was paralyzed and could not move.  
  
  His friends dialed 911 and transported him to their nearby camp.  Terrebonne Sheriff’s Water Patrol Deputies arrived with paramedics a short time before agents arrived and had Operator immobilized and on a backboard.  Agents arrived as the deputies and paramedics were about to leave to take Operator to a location to be airlifted to the hospital to treat his injuries.  Agents took witness statements, pictures, and located the accident scene.  Agents found a small dent and some bark from the tree Operator struck stuck to the starboard front corner of the vessel.  The windshield was missing.  The witnesses stated the windshield was taken out to gain access to Operator.  No other damage was found at the time on the vessel at the scene.  Agents suspect no alcohol or drug use was a factor.  Operator’s grandson was wearing a type III PFD, however, it is unknown at this time if Operator was wearing a PFD.  The vessel was equipped with 2 Type IV, 3 Type II, and 4 Type III PFD’s.