RedactedNarrative: At approximately 7:45 this morning, LDWF-Enforcement Division was contacted by Rapides Parish Sheriff's Office about a capsized vessel with someone near it on Red River in Alexandria.  The location of the boat was 1/4 mile south of the Curtis-Coleman bridge.  Wildlife Agents responded along with other agencies.  Two subjects, a male and a female, were recovered from the water near the capsized vessel.  The male was conscious and responsive.  The female was unresponsive.  Pineville Fire Dept personal began CPR on the female in their vessel.  Acadian Ambulance arrived on scene and continued life saving efforts on the bank, however the female was deceased on the scene.  It was determined that the male subject, Operator1, was the operator.  He was transferred to Rapides Regional Hospital.  The deceased woman was later identified as his girlfriend, Passenger1.  Wildlife Agents interviewed Operator1 at the hospital and a statement was given.  Blood was drawn from Operator1 and sent off for analysis.  Alcohol or drugs are not suspected at this time.  Both subjects were wearing PFD's at the time of the accident.  The vessel was a Class A tiller handle and not equipped with a kill switch lanyard.  
            Operator1 told agents that the handle slipped out of his hand and the boat turned suddenly to the starboard side.  Both subjects were ejected from the vessel.  The passenger, Passenger1, got caught under the prop and drowned.  When Passenger1  was ejected from the vessel she fell in the water and the boat ran over her.  Passenger1's clothes and life jacket got caught up in the prop causing the motor to die.  As a result, this pinned her underwater.  She was not able to surface for air.  The operator, Operator1, tried to pull her head above water but was not successful.  Operator1 capsized the vessel in the process of trying to get her head above water.  A tug boat crew saw the capsized vessel in the river.  Two crewmen from the tugboat jumped in a skiff and went out to help.  They picked up a Pineville Fireman from the bank on their way.  They were able to cut her loose from the prop.  They put Operator1 and Passenger1's body in the skiff with them.  Pineville Fire Dept started CPR on Passenger1.  They performed CPR until they arrived to the bank.  They continued life saving efforts on the bank.  The coroner showed up on scene and pronounced Passenger1 dead.  Operator1 was transported to Rapides Regional Hospital where he was treated for exhaustion and fatigue.     
            The vessel was seized and stored at the Region 3 office in Pineville.  Operator1 statement is attached with this report along with pictures of the boat and accident.
  