RedactedNarrative: On Tuesday, March 29, 2022, a single vessel swamping occurred on Lake Ponchartrain at approximately 2:00PM. Vessel 1 (20ft remote steering deck boat) departed protected inland waterways and entered the main body of the lake heading southwest. 
  
  The lake was choppy on this day consisting of moderate south winds and rough waves. Vessel 1 was approximately a half of a mile from the shoreline when the motor cut off in the rough conditions. The operator then realized that the vessel had been taking on water from the stern and donned his PFD. 
  
  Vessel 1 was pushed by the wind and waves approximately 500 yards back toward the shoreline and into a privately owned dock. The operator was able to use the dock to secure the partially submerged vessel and get help. 
  
  Based on an interview with the operator, an improper drain plug was recently used on the vessel, and the drain plug likely came out as the vessel reached the rough waves. Alcohol and drugs were not considered a factor in the incident. Contributing factors include an improper or improperly installed drain plug on the vessel and choppy to rough waves. The operator was issued two civil citations for failing to comply with boater's education requirements and for operating an unregistered boat on the State's waterways.
  