On 12/30/23 a 17 ft Alweld center console aluminum flat boat was north bound in the Barataria Waterway on plane at speed estimated by operator as 25-30 mph. This vessel was also occupied by two female juveniles, both wearing PFD's. 

The second vessel a 21 ft Sea Pro fiberglass center console bay boat was being operated by single occupant,  traveling from Goose Bayou and entered into Barataria Waterway heading South at speed of about 30mph. 

Operator2 stated that after he had straightened his path from the turn to the right side of the oncoming vessel he observed the oncoming flat boat's travel was drifting toward his path. Operator2 stated that the operator of the other vessel appeared to be looking down and did not appear to see him. Operator2 stated that he pulled back on the throttle. Both vessels impacted bow to bow. One of the juvenile occupant was ejected from the vessel into the water. Operator2 stated that after impact he was able to retrieve the ejected juvenile that was wearing a PFD from the water and into his vessel. Interview of operator1 revealed that he did not see the other vessel before impact and that his vision may have been obscured by one of the passengers. Both vessels utilized remote steering. Drugs or Alcohol is not suspected of contributing to the incident. PFD's were utilized.

Barataria Waterway
Lafitte                       