A near head-on collision between two recreational fishing boats today (Feb. 15) near Lake Borgne left one person dead and another injured, a U.S. Coast Guard official told LouisianaSportsman.com.
“Eyewitnesses said the two boats were traveling at a high rate of speed and came around a blind bend at the same time,” USCG Sector New Orleans Search and Rescue Coordinator Paul Barnard said. “The eyewitness said they did not have the opportunity to react to avoid the collision.”
The accident, which was still under investigation by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries on Tuesday (Feb. 15) evening, was reported about 1:30 p.m. and occurred in a blind turn on Unknown Pass, Barnard said. The names of those involved were being withheld while the investigation continued.
Barnard said the accident is a reminder about the seriousness of safe vessel operation.
“The lesson is that we are blessed in South Louisiana to have some of the best, if not the best, fishing in the country, and we need to approach every blind bend and every intersection as if there is someone coming from the opposite direction,” he explained. “With the marsh grass, we can’t always see what’s coming from the opposite direction.”
This means boaters should back off the throttle whenever approaching a turn of any kind.
“All vessels must operate at a safe speed – a speed that allows them to react to avoid any approaching vessels,” Barnard said.
