RedactedNarrative: On September 17. 2022, subjects met each other at a sandbar along the Pearl River in Washington Parish.  The two subjects went for a ride in the boat, a 15 foot unregistered havoc aluminum flatboat equipped with a 60 horsepower hand-tiller outboard motor.  
  
  Shortly after leaving the sandbar and with Operator operating the vessel, Operator struck a submerged object beneath the river's surface.  The impact of the strike threw both occupants overboard to the vessel's starboard side.  
  
  Operator was wearing a proper kill switch lanyard, which caused the vessel to immediately turn off.  Both occupants were also wearing USCG approved personal flotation devices at the time of the incident. After entering the water, Operator was able to quickly swim back to the vessel, which was actively taking on water from the stern.  
  
  Operator attempted to apply weight to the vessel's bow in hopes of stopping the water from filling into the stern.  Operator was unsuccessful, and the vessel swamped and sunk to the bottom of the river.  The vessel and motor were successfully recovered on September 22, 2022, spending the duration fully submerged.  Alcohol nor drugs are contributing factors in this incident.  The investigation into this incident is closed with no citations being issued.
  
  NOTE: The vessel  lacks registration due to its recent purchase from the dealership.  The operator was within his 45 days of ownership, having executed a Bill of Sale on September 7, 2022, and had his application for registration pending with LDWF.
  