On 09/17/2023, LDWF Enforcement Agent, Corporal and Lieutenanat were advised via LDWF Communications of a boat accident in Bayou Dulac, Terrebonne Parish.  The boat accident took place on 09/17/2023 at approximately 07:56 A.M. in Bayou Dulac, Terrebonne Parish. Vessel 2 was occupied with 2 subjects. Vessel 2 is a 17 foot, 7 inch aluminum, open motorboat powered by a single remote steered Mercury 60 horsepower outboard engine.

V2 occupant sustained a minor head injury and refused all medical care on scene. Over the course of several interviews, Operator2 stated that there were 5 PFD’s onboard. The PFD’s included (5) Type 3 PFD’s. Operator2 stated that the 2 occupants on board were wearing PFD’s at the time of the incident. Operator2 stated that the boat was equipped with an engine cutoff lanyard, which was attached/affixed to him during the time of the incident. 

Vessel 1 was occupied with 2 subjects. Vessel 1 is a 20 foot, fiberglass, open motorboat powered by a single remote steered Yamaha 150 horsepower outboard engine. Over the course of several interviews, operator1 stated that the 2 occupants on board were wearing PFD’s at the time of the incident. Operator1 stated that the boat was equipped with an engine cutoff lanyard, which was attached/affixed to him during the time of the incident.

Agents questioned the vessel operator's about what occurred. Agents inspected both vessels for physical damages. The physical damages matched what both operator's stated happened with the incident. Upon questioning both operators and reviewing physical damages, Agents determined that (V2) was traveling eastbound, on step, in Bayou Dulac, Terrebonne Parish. (V1) was traveling eastbound, on step, in Bayou Dulac, Terrebonne Parish, behind V2. 

V2 missed his turn and reduced forward speed, coming down to idle speed. Operator2 stated that after missing his turn, he reduced speed and was focused on his GPS. V1 maintained speed and made contact (ramped and jumped) with the stern of V2 and went airborne. V1 made contact with the stern of the vessel, contacting the engine cowling, listing toward portside. V1 continued travelling forward and the propeller made contact with aluminum on the stern, passenger seats on the vessel and came to a stop after making contact with the portside bow of the vessel. After viewing the damage of both vessels, Agents believe V1 was operating around approximately 40 miles per hour. V1’s passenger, stated that he was looking down at the deck of the boat to shield his face from the wind. V1 occupant was ejected upon making impact. V1 occupant refused all medical care on scene. After the incident occurred, both V1 and V2 awaited the arrival of LDWF Enforcement Agents.

On 10/25/2023, Agents traveled to Operator2’s residence. Operator2 advised that both he and his passenger received medical care after the incident occurred. As a result of the accident and boat collision, v2 occupant sustained a concussion, injury of the head and a strain of an unspecified muscle, fascia and tendon at the shoulder at upper arm level. Operator2 sustained a cervical strain and reported aches and pains as well as stress induced complications (Trouble sleeping, nightmares, increased heart rate).

   Agents found operator inattention to be the primary contributing factor of the incident. Secondly, Agents believe that V1 not having a proper lookout to be a contributing factor to the incident. Thirdly, Agents believe V1 violated Rule of the Road number 16, which states that all vessels shall be operated at reasonable speeds for given conditions and situations and must be under the complete control of the operator at all times. V2 violated Rule of the Road number 8, which states that vessels will not abruptly change course without first determining that it can be safely done without risk of collision with another vessel. Lastly, Agents believe Careless or Reckless Operation to be the tertiary cause of the incident. Agents do not suspect drugs and/or alcohol to be contributing factors in the incident. Both vessel operators were criminally cited for 34:851.4-Careless Operation.

Bayou Dulac
Dulac                         