RedactedNarrative: On July 17, 2021, at approximately 8:30am LDWF SR. Agent received information on a single vessel boating accident that had occurred on Larto Lake in Catahoula Parish. Agent contacted Catahoula Parish Sheriff’s Office (CPSO) dispatch to find out details about the incident. CPSO advised Agent that they were contacted at approximately 7:57am by the LaSalle General Hospital that there had been a boat accident on Larto Lake and the occupants were currently at the hospital seeking medical attention for their injury’s. 
  
  Agent arrived at the hospital to discover that both subjects being treated for their injury’s had already been treated and discharged. At approximately 11:30am LDWF Agents made contact with the occupants who were involved in the accident at the operator’s residence. Upon contact Agents determined that there were only two occupants on board the vessel at the time of the accident. Agents identified themselves as LDWF Enforcement Agents and identified the operator and the passenger. Agents also observed the 16 foot aluminum XTS 16 Xpress that was involved in the accident at his residence. Lt. advised the subjects that he could smell alcohol coming from there persons and then asked the subjects if they had consumed any alcoholic beverages before the accident occurred, in which both subjects advised us that they had consumed a few beers. 
  
  Both Subjects advised Agents that on 7-17-21 at approximately 2:15am that they were cruising full speed on step when they hit a submerged object causing the operator to lose control of the tiller handle, which led to the vessel crashing into a cypress tree. Both subjects were ejected from the vessel from the impact with the tree, neither subject was wearing a PFD, but the operator was wearing the engine killswitch. At this time both subjects secured the vessel at the boat ramp and left the scene to seek medical attention. After securing the vessel both subjects went back to his residence at which time he was taken to the hospital by Operator's wife to seek medical attention, but Operator stayed at his residence. Operator advised us shortly after daylight he returned to the boat ramp to retrieve the vessel. Operator then advised us that after he arrived back to his residence with the vessel, he determined that he needed to seek medical attention. Upon seeking medical attention, the LaSalle General Hospital contacted Catahoula Parish Sheriff’s office to notify them of the boating accident. Operator received medical treatment for a small abrasion and severe bruising on his right thigh. Occupant received medical treatment for a 3-inch laceration on his forearm, a laceration on his knee, and a severe laceration underneath his chin totaling to 60 stitches. Agents thoroughly documented the damage that occurred to the vessel determining that the portside bow absorbed majority of the damage. (See attached photo log) Agents also observed that the skeg of the motor was severely bent towards the port side of the vessel. (See attached photo log) While investigating the scene of the accident Agents determined that the vessel was cruising parallel with the bank and struck the bank side of a cypress tree. (See attached photo log) Due to the area the vessel impacted the tree it is believed that the subjects struck a stump. The vessel was operating approximately 10 foot away from the bank when they struck the stump. It is unclear if Operator was confused about his location in the lake, but his speed was quite excessive due to his close proximity to stumps and trees. Agents also looked around the scene for a submerged object that could have caused the operator to lose control, but could never identify any submerged object. Agents also observed numerous empty and full beer cans floating around the area of the accident. (See attached photo log) After investigating the scene of the accident Agents determined that the primary contributors of the accident were excessive speed, restricted vision, and alcohol use. On August 15, 2021, LDWF Lt. and Cpl. met with Operator at his residence. Agents identified themselves and issued him a citation for violating R.S. 14:99 Reckless Operation of a Watercraft.