RedactedNarrative: On July 4, 2018 at approx. 4:40pm, LA8187FJ, a 21' Caravell sterndrive ski boat was northbound on the Tchefuncte River with three persons on board just north of Brady Island when the vessel slowed to approximately half throttle to avoid a wake from a large yacht that was southbound. According to the operator, after clearing the other vessel's wake, his vessel hit a submerged object, which caused his vessel to become inoperable (sterndrive lower unit separated from the transom of the vessel at the bell housing), and to begin taking on water.  
  
  The vessel (LA8187FJ) was then taken in tow by a passing boater and met by STPSO Sheriff's deputy near Fairview State Park, where the vessel was taken to the dock and trailered. There were no injuries reported in the incident and there was no apparent damage to the vessel's hull. The operator of the vessel  reported that a large log was seen on the surface of the water behind his vessel after the collision. PFDs were properly used at the time of the incident and alcohol is not believed to have been a contributing factor in this incident (no alcohol on board and no signs of intoxication of the operator or passengers).
  