RedactedNarrative: On March 2, 2014, a one vessel boating accident occurred on Blake Lake (Livingston Parish) whereas a 16’ aluminum bateau (Louisiana Traveler) with a 55 hp outboard motor carrying four passengers collided nearly head-on with a cypress tree while traveling at what appears to be a substantial speed. Two persons were ejected from the vessel and injured when they came into contact with the tree but managed to get back to and in the vessel. All four passengers eventually ended up at the St. Elizabeth Hospital in Gonzales, La. with non-life threatening injuries (see page 3).  The two passengers that were not ejected from the vessel were injured by being thrown to the bottom of the vessel.
  Based on our investigation, it appears that the operator failed to comply with Louisiana’s Rules of the Road For Vessels by not operating his vessel at a reasonable speed for the given conditions and situation, and for failing to maintain complete control of his vessel at all times (Rule 16). Also, the operator was allegedly drinking beer while operating the vessel (as per witness statements), which leads us to believe that alcohol may be a contributing factor to this incident (Blood analysis pending). 
  Other Important Facts: 
  1-While on the scene, Agent checked the steering on the vessel and found it to work properly, with nothing unusual noted. 
  2-At the time of the accident, no one in the vessel was wearing a PFD and in fact, there were only two (2) wearable PFD’s on board the vessel. 
  3-The vessel was not insured. 
  4-At the scene of the accident, no underwater obstructions were observed. 
  Citations are pending.