RedactedNarrative: Operator1 was traveling in Bayou Des Allemands from the direction of Lake Salvador toward the south end of Bayou Gauche at approximately 5:30pm on 3/30/19.  He was in his mud boat (LA 3355 EJ). Along that bank there is a pipe submerged stretching from a barge in Bayou Des Allemands along the bank around the corner into Bayou Gauche ending at a tugboat and barge.  The pipe, while submerged, is marked with large white floating styrofoam blocks.  
  
  According to Operator, he was running inside of the blocks between the blocks and the bank and decided to turn to get on the outside.  As he passed between two of the blocks he stated he struck something submerged in the water.  When this happened the vessel jolted throwing him forward and falling into the decking of the hull.  The vessel then turned to the left.  Operator sustained a broken rib and a broken vertebrate which the doctor stated will heal itself with time.  Examination of the vessel showed that the impact with the submerged object left a rust transfer on the stainless steel stump jumper of the mud boat as well as on the leading edges of the prop.  The impact also broke the universal joint where the drive shaft connects to the back of the engine allowing the drive shaft and prop to slide back up against the rudder holding the rudder in the position which would turn the vessel to the port.  A witness who was traveling behind Operator, stated that they were traveling approximately 25-30 mph.  Operator was not wearing a PFD, although there were PFDs on board.  The vessel was not equipped with a kill switch.  Alcohol is not believed to be a contributing factor in the incident.
  