RedactedNarrative: On July 4th, 2022, Ves1 (2019 17' Gatortail aluminum flat boat w/ 40HP tiller control outboard) was moored along the side of the Bayou Blue Pontoon Bridge spanning the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GICW). At approximately 2100 hrs. the Bayou Blue Pontoon opened to allow a large vessel to pass. The operator of Ves1 attempted to move the vessel to prevent damage, but was unsuccessful. The pontoon bridge collided with Ves1 as it swung open, causing the vessel to flood, capsize, and sink. 
  
  The operator of Ves1 asked for help from witnesses who reside near the bridge. Witnesses notified the bridge attendant of the incident. The Terrebonne and Lafourche Sheriffs' Offices, along with LDWF and USCG were notified of the incident shortly thereafter by bridge tender. 
  
  Cpl. (TPSO) and Dy. (LPSO) arrived on-scene and assisted good Samaritans in recovering the vessel from the waters of the GICW. USCG did not respond to the incident. LDWF Agents were not notified of the incident until the following morning. LDWF Agents began the investigation in the afternoon of 7/5/22. 
  
  From the investigation , the Agents determined that operator inexperience, and operator inattention were contributing factors into the sinking. The operator of Ves 1 stated he did not wear a PFD or use an engine cut-off lanyard at the time the incident occurred. LDWF Agents could not determine if impairment was a factor in this incident. No injuries were reported due to the incident.
  