Subject was operating vessel on 7/1/2023 when he struck a floating object in Bayou Folse at (N29*41.854' W90*36.836'). The vessel came to stop and the operator noticed 2 cracked welds on the transom of the vessel. The operator contacted the Lafourche Parish Water Patrol and Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. LDWF Enforcement Agents were notified on 7/2/2023 and responded on 7/2/2023. 

LDWF Enforcement Agents learned the 2 occupants of the vessel were at Thibodaux Regional Hospital for injuries sustained from the incident. Agents went to the hospital to meet with them and identified themselves as LDWF Enforcement Agents upon arrival. 

Subject1 stated she had neck and back pain from when the vessel stuck the floating object causing her to be thrown to the floor of the vessel. Agents started conducting an investigation and at that time believed it did not qualify for a LDWF boat accident. Approximately 3 weeks later the operator obtained a quote for repairs to the vessel and it was over the $500.00 minimum which qualifies it for a boat accident. LDWF Agents went back on 7/24/2023 and are now conducting a full investigation and completing a boat accident report. The vessel is 16' long and constructed of aluminum. The vessel is powered by an unknown horsepower evenrude motor with remote steering. There was no drugs or alcohol involved with the incident and PFD's were not used. The contributing factor's at this time include: 1 Rules of the Road (#20), 2 No proper lookout, and 3 Operator inattention. The incident is currently a collision with floating object incident.
BAYOU FOLSE
RACELAND                      