Vessel 1, operated by V1 Operator, is a 2005, 22'6" center console, remote steer Shearwater.  V1 Passenger was a passenger in Vessel 1 and was seated to the right of V1 Operator.   V1 Operator was standing as he drove.  Vessel 2, operated by V2 Operator, is a 2019, remote steer, 21'11" Malibu wake boat.  V2 Passenger was a passenger in Vessel 2 and was seated to the left of V2 Operator.  Vessel 1 attempted to pass Vessel 2 on Vessel 2's port side.  As Vessel 1 came over the wake of Vessel 2, V1 Operator was jarred by the impact of the wake, and he fell into the bottom of his vessel on the port side.  This caused him to lose control.  Vessel 1 collided with the stern of Vessel 2, causing significant damage.  V1 Operator was able to grab the throttle and and put the vessel in neutral.  V1 Operator was not wearing a cutoff lanyard.  V2 Operator was wearing a cutoff lanyard. Vessel 1 is owned by V1 Operator.  Vessel 2 is owned by V2 Passenger.  V1 Operator and V2 Passenger exchanged information, and V1 Operator followed Vessel 2 nearly to the Shell Beach boat launch to make sure it made it back safely.  None of the occupants of Vessels 1 or 2 were wearing PFD's.  Alcohol is not suspected to be a contributing factor.  Force of Wake/Wave and Rules of the Road (#16) are contributing factors.  No injuries were reported, and no medical attention was given.  On 5/2/23, Sgt. 2 and I, Cpl. 1, issued V1 Operator a citation for violating R.S. 34:851.4 - CARELESS OPERATION (RULES OF THE ROAD #16).  He was given a criminal court date of 7/20/23 at 9:00am, at the Natchitoches Parish Courthouse.  He was released.
Cane River
Natchez                       