On November 10, 2023 at approximately 11:50 a.m. I, Sgt. was contacted by LDWF dispatch and notified of a boating accident on Wham Brake (Russell Sage WMA) in Ouachita Parish. Once on scene I secured the vessel, took photos and collected evidence. Operator and his five year old son were transported by ambulance to St. Francis Medical Center. Operator's vessel was released to his friend.

I then made contact with Operator at the St. Francis Medical Center. Operator advised he and his five year old son went to Wham Brake to go scout for ducks.  While traveling down the canal, his motor struck a submerged object which caused the vessel to take a hard left turn.  The vessel hit the bank of the canal and jumped a stump that was at the waters edge.  The vessel came to a stop on the bank completely out of the water.  The stern was approximately three to four feet from the edge of the water.  No one was ejected. Operator injured his right arm and shoulder, his son had a small cut on his head.  Both were taken to the hospital by ambulance.  Paramedics believed Operator may have a broken arm and a dislocated shoulder. 

Wham Brake is very low at this time due to the lack of rain.  The canal is very shallow and narrow, it has a lot of logs stuck on the bottom in the mud.  The low water and the speed Operator was traveling were the main two contributing factors to the accident.  No alcohol use is suspected.  Life jackets were worn and the kill switch was used.

The vessel was not damaged in any way that I could find.

Wham Brake
Monroe                        