On July 30, 2023 at approximately 3:45 PM, operator was operating vessel on the Red River in Bossier Parish.  There were no other passengers on-board.  While cruising South near the center of the channel, Operator1 struck an unmarked dredge pipe that was floating near the surface of the water, causing damage to the bottom of the hull and propeller.  The vessel immediately began taking on water.  Operator1 was able to self rescue by driving his vessel to the East bank of the river, and called 911 for assistance.  The vessel that Operator1 was operating had remote steering and all safety equipment on-board.  Operator1 was not wearing a PFD at the time of the incident.  He also did not have his kill switch attached to his person.  The name of the dredging company that was operating with an unmarked dredge pipe was Coastal Dredging Company, Incorporated.  The contributing factor for this single vessel incident was "collision with floating object."  There were no injuries and no impairment was suspected.
Red River
Bossier City                  