RedactedNarrative: On March 26, 2017 operator was operating a homemade skiff (LA4322FS) with a tiller steer that he borrowed.  Operator and his passenger were leaving their camp on the Atchafalaya Pilot Channel near the Phillips Canal, at approximately 12:15pm when the vessel's engine struck an unknown object.  This caused the engine handle to be jerked out of Operator's hand.  Operator and occupant both stated that the next thing they knew was that they were both in the water and the vessel sank.  Occupant was treated for a broken 2 bones in his left foot on 3/27/17.  Operator escaped without injury. The vessel is unrecoverable and total loss. (16ft skiff with a 40 Yamaha four stroke)