RedactedNarrative: On 5-29-21 vessel two bearing was heading south at approx. 30mph while vessel one bearing  was heading west at approx. 50mph in the Schoolboard.  Vessel two was in the intersection while vessel one was approaching the intersection.  From witness statements from vessel two vessel one did not let off his throttle upon approaching the intersection.  Vessel two was more than half way through the intersection when vessel one struck vessel two’s outboard motor.  The impact of the collision sheared the powerhead of vessel two.  Vessel two and vessel one’s passengers were wearing a PFD at the time of the incident.  Vessel one and two are both steered by remote steering.  Vessel one’s operator did have his kill lanyard attached.  Alcohol does not seem to be a factor in this incident.  Contributing factors in this incident are excessive speed, operator inattention, and violating Rules of the Road 16 and 20: 16-All vessels shall be operated at reasonable speeds for given conditions and situations and must be under complete control of the operator at all times and 20-Operator shall maintain a proper lookout.
        After interviewing the operator and passenger of vessel two it was learned that they were halfway through the intersection.  Operator 2 being unfamiliar with driving the vessel they were not going very fast (approx. 30mph) She stated that when they noticed vessel one coming for them she turned starboard and came off throttle.  She also stated that it looked like the passenger of vessel one saw them while the operator did not.
        After agents interviewed the operator and passenger of vessel one it was learned that they were approaching the intersection at approx. 50mph and vessel two cut out in front of them.  After the collision they turned around to see if everyone was ok and towed them back to the launch.  Once at the landing they looked over their damage and left; not exchanging any information with the individuals whom they had struck.
        Through the investigation the evidence shows that Operator 1 approached the intersection too fast at approx. 50mph.  From both of the operator’s drawings and Cpl. going out to the scene it was determined that if Operator 1 was to slow down, remain attentive, and follow Rules of the Road 16 and 20 this incident could have been avoided. Operator 1 was cited for violating RS 34:851.4-Careless Operation.