On 05/28/2023 a 16'4" Tracker fishing boat with 2 persons aboard was traveling downstream in the Mississippi River in West Feliciana Parish being operated by Operator.  There was one passenger on board. For unknown reasons , Operator steered his vessel in front of a large tugboat (M/V Frank Johnson, being operated by Captain) pushing 35 barges that was traveling upstream. 

The front starboard corner of Operator's vessel struck the front starboard barge of the M/V Frank Johnson (see diagram). V1 occupant was subsequently ejected into the river, killing her, and Operator stayed inside the boat, suffering life threatening injuries. Neither party (Operator or V1 occupant) was wearing a Pfd. The crew of M/V Frank Johnson was unharmed.

Operator was eventually transported to Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in Baton Rouge via AirMed. A blood sample was taken from him at the hospital, with results indicating he had a .178g% blood alcohol content.  Operator2 took a post-incident alcohol and drug test per USCG requirements, both of these tests were negative.

As the results of the investigation Operator was subsequently charged with:
LRS 14:99 - Reckless Operation
LRS 14:98 - Operate Vessel w/ Intoxicated
LRS 14:32.1 - Vehicular Homicide

At this time, V1 occupant is still unaccounted for and Operator is hospitalized.  Operator is under hospital care and has not yet given a statement.  PFD's were not in use.  Alcohol is suspected to be a contributing factor.  Vessel 1 is a 16'4" aluminum boat made by Tracker Marine.  There were no eye witnesses to the crash, but multiple people saw Operator and V1 occupant in Vessel 1 earlier in the day.

Mississippi River
Saint Francisville            