RedactedNarrative: On February 5, 2018 LDWF Corporal was contacted by the Region office in reference to a boat accident in Bayou Lafourche. Corporal arrived on scene and spoke with the operator.  Operator stated he was traveling north in the bayou when his vessel took a right turn into the bank.  The vessel then ramped onto the bank coming to rest.  Corporal spoke with an eye witness who verified Operator story.  The witness stated he observed Operator traveling North coming on step.  He stated that he lost sight of him for a second and next thing he saw was the vessel headed straight for the bank. Once the vessel struck the east bank Operator was thrown toward the Port Bow of the vessel causing him to collide with the console suffering unknown injuries.  
  Operator refused medical treatment on scene but was going to go to Our lady of the Sea Hospital for evaluation due to his head hurting.  Corporal asked Operator if he had any issues with his steering and he stated that he just had to pull it apart to free it up.  Corporal inspected the steering and found it was Teleflex steering and was working properly.  
  Corporal asked if the vessel pulled hard in any direction when coming on step and Operator stated it usually does pull to the right.  Operator stated all he remembers is the vessel turning hard right and then he struck the bank. During the interview Corporal did not suspect any signs of impairment.  Operator left the scene and was brought to the hospital VIA private vehicle. Corporal arrived at the hospital to continue the investigation and again observed no signs of impairment.  Alcohol or drug use is not suspected as a cause to the incident.  Operator was not wearing a PFD at the time of the collision.
  