RedactedNarrative: On March 8, 2019 at approximately 7:15pm a collision occurred between two vessels on the Bouge Falaya River in Covington, Louisiana. The vessels involved were (Vessel 1) 20ft Crestliner Aluminum Bay and (Vessel 2) a 15ft XPRESS Aluminum flat boat. Each boat had two people onboard.
  
  According to witness statements and physical evidence Vessel 1 was traveling north in the river returning to Menetre Park Boat Launch(Old River Landing) and Vessel 2 was traveling south leaving the boat launch. 
  
  Both operators acknowledged in their statements that they saw one another before well before the collision, however both operators were unable to make evasive maneuvers to avoid impact. The vessels met in the river approximately .7 miles from the launch and collided with one another. 
  
  The collision occurred over an hour after official sunset and visibility was low. Contributing factors at this time appear to be rules of the road violations, to include safe speed for the given conditions and navigation light violations on Vessel 1. 
  
  Operator1's vessel was displaying his required navigation lights as well as Bright Blue LED light strips along the gunwales from bow to stern. These violations could constitute Careless Operation of a Watercraft. Operator2 was struck by Vessel 1 during impact and was subsequently ejected into the river. Operator2 sustained serious bodily injury. His injuries were right humerus fracture, right ribs fractured, 1, 8-11, right lung contusion/hemothorax, liver laceration, left pneumothorax, right kidney laceration, traumatic hemoperitoneum. 
  
  Operator2 and his passenger V2 occupant were both wearing their life jacket(PFD) at the time of the collision. V2 occupant received minor injuries from the accident and was treated and released. No other injuries were reported. 
  
  Operator1 transported Operator2 and V2 occupant to the hospital but did not identify himself to anyone at the scene and did not report the accident to any law enforcement, therefore investigators were not able to make contact with him until the next day, which was over 12 hours later. Operator1 did admit to consuming alcohol before the incident but stated that he was not impaired at the time of the accident. This has left investigators unable to determine if alcohol or drugs could have been a contributing factor. At the conclusion of this investigation, investigators recommend to the St. Tammany District Attorney's Office that Operator1 be charged with LA R.S.14:100 Felony Hit and Run, 14:130.1 Obstruction of Justice, 34:851.4 Careless Operation of a Watercraft, 14:39 Negligent Injuring, 34:851.24(B) Improper Running Lights, 34:851.19 No Boat numbers and 34:851.24(G) No Fire Extinguisher.
  