On 10/04/2023, LDWF Agents were patrolling Black Bayou in Cameron parish, when they observed a subject operating a vessel on Sabine National Wildlife Refuge.  Agents stopped the subject to conduct a boating safety inspection.  After the inspection, the operator reported a boating incident.  Operator advised that he struck an unknown submerged object on 09/29/23 on Black Bayou further north from our location of the stop.  Operator brought Agents to the location of the alleged incident.  Agents did not observe any fixed objects. 

Operator advised that on 09/29/23 he was operating a 17' homemade skiff powered by a 70 HP Suzuki tiller handle outboard on Black Bayou.   Operator of   V1advised that he was traveling north on Black Bayou (public navigable waterway) in Cameron Parish, when he struck the submerged object near the east bank.  Operator advised that he did not see the object before or after the incident.  During the incident, operator advised that his passenger was forced forward onto the bottom of the vessel near the bow.  Passenger sustained bruises and lacerations, however did not seek medical attention.  Operator advised that he called the office on 09/29/23, but received no answer.  Agents went to the house of the operator where V1 was located and took pictures of the vessel/damaged lower unit.  No alcohol/drugs involved.  PFD's not used.  Kill switch not used.  Operator advised his lower unit sustained the only damage and it was in excess of $500.00

Black Bayou
Hackberry                     