Operator was fishing from his vessel on Bayou Bonne Idee in Morehouse Parish. Operator did not have a PFD on and the vessel was stationary. The vessel had the required PFDs in the vessel at the time of the accident. The vessel is a stick-steer controlled vessel. The engine was not in use at the time of the accident. Operator's fishing line became stuck on a submerged object. Operator stepped up on the front deck of the vessel to untangle the line and lost his balance and fell into the front section of the vessel between the front seat and front deck. Operator was unable to right himself and called 911 for assistance. Operator was assisted by a passing boater.  The good Samaritan pulled Operator's vessel to the landing where EMS began to assess Operator. I made contact with Operator at the boat ramp and did not suspect any drug or alcohol use. Operator's only complaint was that his left leg was hurt and he could not move it. The knee cap appeared to be dislocated. Operator informed me that he had several preexisting cardiac conditions and a pacemaker. Operator was transported by EMS to St. Francis Medical Center in Monroe LA.

Operator's left knee was injured from the fall and will require surgery to reattach a torn ligament. His surgery is scheduled for June 16, 2023.
Bayou Bonne Idee
Mer Rouge - 34                