RedactedNarrative: On June 9th, 2018, vessel 1 (MI-5636-BY, 14' Aluminum outboard tiller) was being operated by operator1 within a shallow pond near Sawmill Canal, St.Charles Parish.  
  
  Vessel 2, an unregistered Pro Drive / Homemade tiller mud boat, was being operated within the same area.  At approximately 5:00 PM, vessel 2 conducted a U-turn maneuver to exit pond.  As Operator2 approached narrow trainasse to exit pond, Operator1 unknowingly entered the same waterway from the opposite direction on planning speed.  Operators immediately identified each other as Operator1 quickly decreased speed to conduct an instant starboard turn to prevent collision. Operator2 attempted to avoid Operator1 by increasing the speed of his watercraft.  
  
  Vessel 1 began to slide as it struck the port-side stern and tiller outboard motor of vessel 2.  Incident resulted in significant hand injury to Operator2 and the removal of Pro Drive outboard motor from vessel 2.  Operator2 was subsequently transported to University Medical Center for treatment where his left index finger was amputated. 
  
   Alcohol is not considered a contributing factor and required PFDs were fitted and worn by both operators.  Safety cut-off lanyard was attached only to vessel 1 operator.  Upon subsequent investigation Operator1 has been found to have been operating in a carless manner, and unable to react accordingly to the environmental circumstances due to speed of operation.  Criminal citation of RS 34:851.4 Careless Operation of Watercraft will be immediately issued to Operator1 in addition to issuance of a warning citation of RS 34:851.21 Improper boat numbers.  Furthermore, Operator2 will be issued warning citations for the charges of RS 34:851.20A Operate Unregistered Motorboat and RS 34:851.24 Fail to comply with tiller engine cutoff.
  