RedactedNarrative: On June 26, 2022 at 11:15 P.M., Vessel 1 (20' Alumaweld/remote steering) was being operated by subject.  Operator was traveling upstream on the Mermentau River in Cameron Parish.  As Operator was passing Gary's Landing in Lowry, he made a wide right turn to avoid cement pilings on the west bank of the river.  
  
  Operator stated that he veered too far left.  Operator stated that he was looking for a green channel marker.  Operator stated that he did not realize how close he was to the east bank.  Operator stated that he observed a small dead tree to his port side.  At that time Operator stated that he knew he was too close to the east bank of the river.  
  
  Operator stated that when he came down on his throttle, it was too late.  V1 struck the peninsula of trees 110' from the east bank of the river.  Operator then contacted his wife, who then contacted two others.  Two people picked up Operator and transported him back to the launch.  At that time Subject1 reported the incident.  Operator drove himself to the Ochsner's American Legion Hospital in Jennings, LA .  Operator had a laceration to his right knee.  
  
  Alcohol or drugs was not a contributing factor.  PFD's were on board, but not worn.  contributing factors were restricted vision due to it being night and there was no ambient light due to cloud cover.  Rules #16 of the Rules of the Road.  Careless Operation of a watercraft.  
  
  Operator should have slowed down to an idle to orientate himself being that he could not find the green channel marker.  V1 was not being operated at a reasonable speed.  for the given conditions.  Night time restricted vision.     D641601 issued for Careless Operation.  RS 34:851.4
  