On December 17, 2023, at 12:51 P.M., a Grant Parish Sheriff's Deputy notified Senior Agent of a possible boating accident on Nantachie Lake, near Colfax. The deputy stated that there were three subjects in the water near the Old Levee Road landing and that he was in route with a vessel in tow to attempt to recover the stranded boaters. I, Sergeant, proceeded to the given landing location to assist the deputy in a potential recovery, while SA retrieved a LDWF department issued vessel. Upon arrival at the scene, it was determined there were two male subjects, not three, and they were being transported back to the Old Levee Road landing by a good samaritan in a nearby vessel. From the shoreline the vessel appeared to be submerged, but the hull of the vessel was visible and in an upright capsized position. 

The owner and operator of the 17-foot Statos Javelin identified himself. Neither gentlemen suffered any injuries and declined medical evaluation from Acadian Ambulance who was on scene. Operator stated that around noon, he and Occupant1 were returning from fishing near the spillway on Nantachie Lake to the IP boat launch when he hit two submerged objects believed to be stumps. 

When making contact with the second stump, Operator stated the vessel rode up over the stump and caused the lower unit to hit, killing the motor. Once the motor was restarted and back underway the vessel began taking on water. Both gentlemen stated they attempted to get water out of the vessel and Operator added that he attempted to turn on the bilge pump. Operator stated that while operating, he had the motor trimmed as high possible that allowed the propeller and water intake to be submerged but was in a position that if he hit any stumps would not cause damage to his lower unit or prop. He added that he was operating at a slow rate of speed when he bumped the stumps, and it was noted that he was wearing an ignition safety kill switch. Also, both gentlemen were able to retrieve a type III PFD and place on their person before the vessel became fully capsized and they were in the water. 

Once in the water they were able to stay with the vessel until help arrived and they were transported back to the shore. Both gentlemen estimated their time in the water to be between 30 to 40 minutes. After speaking with both gentlemen, the primary factor leading to the capsizing of the vessel is believed to be hazardous waters and possible operator inattention. The hull of the vessel was photographed and psychically examined, but no significant damage was initially observed. Alcohol and drug use, along with poor weather, were ruled out as being significant factors leading to the incident.

Nantachie Lake
Colfax                        