Two Boating Incidents in Southwest Louisiana Involving Propeller Strikes Being Investigated by Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries

Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana – The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries announced on August 1, 2022, that enforcement agents are investigating two different boating incidents involving propeller strikes that occurred in Calcasieu Parish on July 30.

Agents were notified of a single vessel incident in the Old Sabine River. Around 5 p.m., a single operator was on the river in a 15 or 16 foot aluminum vessel when he lost control and flipped. The operator was catapulted off the vessel and collided with the propeller.

The operator was wearing a personal flotation device (PFD) and a lanyard with a kill switch. The boat capsized, and he was rescued from the water by passing boats. He was transported by ambulance to Memorial Hospital for treatment of his injuries.

Agents were subsequently notified of a second boating incident in the Calcasieu Ship Channel around 7:30 p.m. LDWF agents determined that a boat was traveling in the ship channel when some of the passengers leaped out of a 20-foot vessel while it was underway.

The operator then instructed another passenger to take the wheel, and he rushed to the front of the boat to leap in the water, but instead slipped and tumbled over the bow. He went under the boat and was hit by the propeller numerous times. He was also wearing a PFD.

He was rescued from the water and taken to the shore, where he was transported to Memorial Hospital in an ambulance. He was subsequently brought to Lafayette General Hospital, where he is currently being treated in the intensive care unit.

Both of these boating mishaps will be investigated by the LDWF.