RedactedNarrative: Two vessels were travelling together from Lafitte generally southward along the Barataria Waterway.  
  
  Vessel 2 was leading Vessel 1. Shortly after passing the Texaco Fields Canal, the operator of Vessel 2 reduced throttle from planning speed to idle. The operator of Vessel 1 and his passengers were looking to the side at a snake in the waterway. Vessel 1 operator did not realize that Vessel 2 had reduced throttle. Vessel 1 struck Vessel 2 from the stern. After colliding with the outboard engine cowl of Vessel 2, Vessel 1 partially ramped Vessel 2 forcing the operator of Vessel 2 into the console of Vessel 2 and the steering wheel. 
  
  Vessel 1 slid off the starboard side of Vessel 2 and came to rest in the water. The operator of Vessel 2 sustained a bruise to the center forehead (brow line) and a laceration on the bridge of his nose.  
  
  After consulting with all parties the operator decided to keep fishing. Approximately an hour later, the operator started feeling the effects of the impact. The passengers of the vessels decided to summon medical help.  The operator of Vessel 2 was brought to C&M fuel dock where EMS units transported him to jWest Jefferson Medical Center for treatment. The operator of Vessel 1 and other passengers towed Vessel 2 back to the rental house in Lafitte.
  
  No PFDs were used during this incident but they were present on the vessels.  No indication of intoxication was detected for wither operator. The primary contributing factor for this incident is No Proper Lookout. The operator of Vessel 1 admitted to not seeing Vessel 2 slow down. he removed his gaze from his course while on plane following close behind Vessel 2. The secondary contributing factor is operator inattention-the operator of Vessel 1 failed to perceive the danger in not looking forward while operating on plane. The tertiary contributing factor is careless operation. The operator of Vessel 1 failed to perceive the danger of following too close to Vessel 2 while on plane. The operator of Vessel 1 was issued a citation for careless operation.