On June 20th, 2023 subjects launched at approximately 12:00pm from Sweetwater Marina, Delacroix, LA. The Captain of the vessel was operating a 16ft Gheenoe in Lake Coquille when at approximately 4:00pm a severe storm enveloped the immediate area of the boaters causing rough seas. The captain reported that he put the bow into the waves and attempted to find land but did not. The vessel started to take waves over the port side, flooding the boat and sinking it. 

The boat was reported to capsize on the port side. The two subjects stayed with the partially submerged vessel for multiple hours before swimming to a nearby island. Only the bow of the vessel was above the water line after its sinking. The water depth was 7ft at this time at the scene of the accident. The subjects then stayed on the island overnight. At approximately 10:00am June 21st the subjects flagged down a good Samaritan who brought them to Sweetwater Marina, Delacroix, LA. The subjects were checked by EMS and interviewed by LDWF agents. Alcohol is not believed to be a contributing factor. Life Jackets (type 5) were used. No injuries were reported.

Lake Coquille
Delacroix                     