Operator was operating an 18ft aluminum skiff with remote steering in Belle River, located in Lower St. Martin Parish. Operator came off plane and placed his vessel in neutral, but left the engine running. For unknown reasons, Operator fell overboard and drowned. At the time of the incident, Operator was wearing a kill switch lanyard, but not a life jacket (PFD). A nearby witness and owner of the vessel, Operator was driving stated that he observed Operator underway, heading south. The witness stated a brief moment later, he looked back and saw that Operator was no longer in the vessel and the vessel was drifting down Belle River. The witness then began looking for Operator, but only found his hat. The witness then began calling for help. Multiple agencies responded to the scene and with the help of side scan sonar and dragging devices, Operator was located and turned over to the St. Martin Parish Coroner. Agent does not suspect alcohol or drugs to be contributing factors in the incident.
Belle River
Belle River                   