Lake Charles, Louisiana - A single-vessel boating crash occurred on the West Fork Calcasieu River on August 31, involving a Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office (CPSO) Marine Enforcement Unit vessel. The incident took place around 3:00 p.m. when the vessel, operated by CPSO deputies, struck an object in the water and subsequently hit a tree.
Two deputies on board the vessel were transported to a local hospital for medical treatment. One deputy was treated for injuries and released, while the other remains hospitalized with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Stitch Guillory stated, "This incident serves as a stark reminder that even those with extensive training and experience can be involved in boating crashes. We urge everyone to stay vigilant and pay close attention when boating." Sheriff Guillory also expressed relief that the injuries sustained by the deputies are non-life-threatening but acknowledged that they still face a road to recovery ahead.
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is currently investigating the crash.