On June 12th, 2023 at 6:00 P.M., Sgt. received information that a boat incident occurred in St. Mary parish. Sgt. was advised that one vessel was traveling west in Bayou Boeuf where they did not yield for the cable ferry or notice that the cable ferry was traversing the waterway. Due to this, the subjects struck the cables. This caused both subjects to fall to the floor of the vessel. The subjects motor was damaged by the cables, the cables ripped the tiller handle off of the outboard motor. The operator was able to operate his vessel back to the boat launch where they put it on the trailer. At this time no injuries were reported. Sgt. arrived at the cable ferry where the cable ferry operator was off for the day so no further information was gained. 
               On June 13th, 2023, Sgt. and Agt. was advised that one of the subjects arrived at the hospital due to bruised ribs on his right side. Occupant1 stated they were going fishing when they did not see the cables in the water for the ferry. They continued forward movement and hit the cables. Occupant1 stated the engine never shut off and operator was not wearing the required engine cutoff lanyard.

Neither subject was wearing a personal flotation device, the vessel is a 18' homemade skiff powered by a 25 horsepower mercury tiller steer outboard. At this time, agents believe the contributing factor in this incident is directly related to not maintaining a proper lookout. Alcohol and/or drugs are not believed to be contributing factors in this incident.

ICW
Morgan City                   