A Pierre Part man was killed during a boating accident on Monday, January 9, in Assumption Parish.  According to investigators, 31-year-old Aaron Vickrey died after his 16-foot aluminum boat hit a pier, ejecting him from the vessel and into the Belle River.

Witnesses of the crash were able to locate and bring Mr. Vickrey’s body to the shore; however, an emergency medical services team who arrived at the scene shortly after the boating accident was unable to resuscitate him.  The official cause of death is unknown at this time.

Boating Accident Kills Pierre Part Man

Due to its many rivers, bayous, creeks, canals, tributaries, and marshes, and its prime location on the Gulf coast, Louisiana is home to many residents who make a living working on the water and who enjoy recreational boating and water sports.  Whether you are working aboard a vessel or boating as a pastime, it is important to follow safe boating practices to avoid boating accidents.

Avoiding Boating Accidents

The U.S. Coast Guard asks all boaters to help reduce fatalities, injuries, and property damage by practicing the following steps:

  • Wearing a life jacket at all times and requiring passengers to do the same
  • Never boating under the influence
  • Successfully completing a boating safety course
  • Getting a Vessel Safety Check annually from local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, United States Power Squadrons(r), or your state boating agency’s Vessel Examiners
  • Checking the weather forecast before boating
  • Staying in your lane
  • Watching out for other boaters, property, and structures

Despite our greatest efforts to practice safe boating, boating accidents still can and do occur.  Boating accidents are often due to the unsafe practices and negligence of another boater.  One of our many responsibilities as maritime attorneys is to conduct thorough investigations into boating accidents to determine exactly who or what caused the accident.  If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident and you have unanswered questions, call the maritime attorneys at the Lambert Firm today.