On May 14, 2023, LDWF Enforcement Agents were notified of a boat incident that occurred in Grand Isle, Jefferson Parish at approximately 2:00 P.M., via LDWF Communications. LDWF Communications also provided agents with the operator’s contact information. Agent contacted the operator via cell phone. 

Operator1 stated that they were in a 31 foot, fiberglass, open motorboat powered by remote steered twin Suzuki 300 horsepower outboard engines. He stated that they were in Grand Isle, travelling westward, in Bayou Rigaud, heading to Hurricane Hole. While navigating in the bayou, he stated that he saw some buoys and markers along with work crew(s) and barges. He stated that while he was attempting to go around the congestion, he struck a submerged object. After striking the submerged object, Operator1 noticed that the port side engine was damaged and almost ripped off of the transom. 

The nearby work crew helped him in removing the engine and placing it in his boat. After, Operator1 stated he was on his way back to Cypress Cove Marina in Plaquemines Parish under the power of the starboard engine. Agent asked how many passengers were on board. Operator1 stated that there were 12 passengers in total on board the vessel. He stated that there were 15 PFD’s onboard. The PFD’s included (2) Type 1 PFD’s, (2) Type 2 PFD’s, (10) Type 3 PFD’s, and (1) Type 4 PFD’s. Operator1 stated that the 5 occupants under the age of 17 were wearing PFD’s at the time of the incident. Operator1 stated that the boat was equipped with an engine cutoff lanyard, but was not attached/affixed to him during the time of the incident.
           
Agents found the unusual nature of the dredge pipe being suspended opposed to resting on the bottom of the bayou to be the primary contributing factor as the cause of the incident. Secondly, Agents believe operator inexperience was a contributing factor due to the fact that an experienced operator would have seen the complicated situation and came off step before proceeding through the area. Third, Agents found the waterway to be congested with work barges, work boats, and exposed dredge piping and materials. Agents believe the congested waterway (channel) led operator to divert his course northbound leading to the incident. Lastly, Agents believe the tertiary cause of the incident was due to not following Rule of the Road number 16, which states that all vessels shall be operated at reasonable speeds for given conditions and situations and must be under the complete control of the operator at all times.
Bayou Rigaud
GRAND ISLE                    