RedactedNarrative: On June 20, 2021 at approximately 545 A.M.  (Operator), (occupant 1) and (occupant 2) were cruising on the Ship Channel in Cameron Parish.  23' fiberglass hull, center console vessel with remote steering and a 300 hp Mercury outboard motor.  Operator was cruising south bound when he struck a fixed object (channel marker).  Occupant 1 and 2 were seated in front of the center console.  Occupant 1 and 2 stated after striking the channel marker, the vessel came to a sudden stop.  The sudden stop of the vessel forced them forward from their seat.  They both struck the front storage compartment lid.  Occupant 2 sustained a injury (1' laceration to the top of head).  Occupant 1 sustained a minor bruise to his right shin.   Operator sustained a injury to left hand (swollen).    Operator then returned to" Hackberry Rod and Gun" in Hackberry, LA.  On the returned trip back to their residence, Occupant 2 was seen by a physican in Port Arthur, Texas (Best Med).  The  medical examiner diagnosed her with a minor laceration to the head.  Two staples were applied to the injury.  No alcohol or drugs were the causes in the incident. The type of incident is collision with a fixed object.    Prior to striking the channel marker the operator took his attention off the waterway and what was approaching in front  of vessel in order to retrieve an article of clothing.    
  
  In addition to failing to maintain proper lookout (Rules of the Road #20), he failed to slow down due to the situation that had arisen/Rules of the Road #16).    The careless operation and inattention are contributing factor to this incident.  PFDs were present, but not worn.  Operator was cited for RS 34:851.4 Careless Operation .   Citation .    Factor is operator inattention.  The type of incident is collision with a fixed object.  PFDs were present, but not worn.