LDWF provides additional details on Saturday evening accident that ejected one occupant from 17-foot vessel

WEST BATON ROUGE PARISH — Two people sustained serious injuries Saturday evening when their 17-foot vessel struck an object in Choctaw Bayou, according to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

LDWF enforcement agents were notified around 8:40 p.m. about a single vessel incident in Choctaw Bayou. The vessel hit an object about three quarters of a mile from the marina where they launched their vessel.

One of the occupants was ejected from the vessel and the other stayed in the vessel. The occupant that was ejected was air lifted to Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in Baton Rouge. The occupant that stayed in the vessel was transported by ambulance to Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in Baton Rouge.

Both occupants sustained serious injuries.

Emergency Response

West Baton Rouge Fire Department crews working with assistance from bystanders located the patients in the water and initiated advanced life support care, according to the fire department. Both patients were moved to the Morley Marina Boat Launch for transport.

The rescue operation involved multiple agencies and civilian assistance, highlighting the coordinated emergency response capabilities in the parish.

Investigation Underway

The LDWF Enforcement Division will be the lead investigative agency for this boating incident. LDWF enforcement agents responded to the scene and are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.

The department has not released the names of the victims or additional details about the nature of the object that was struck. LDWF has also not disclosed whether alcohol was a factor in the accident.

While WBR Independent has learned the identities of both victims through community sources, we are not releasing their names pending official confirmation and family notification procedures.

Boating Safety

Louisiana waterways see numerous boating accidents each year, with LDWF enforcement agents responsible for investigating incidents and enforcing boating safety regulations throughout the state's extensive water systems.

The agency encourages boaters to maintain proper safety equipment, follow navigation rules, and remain vigilant for obstacles in waterways, particularly in areas with limited visibility.

Story at WBRIndependent.com