Two Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies were involved in a boating accident Sunday afternoon on the West Fork Calcasieu River.

Spokesperson Kayla Vincent said while operating a CPSO Marine Enforcement Unit vessel, the deputies struck an object in the water and then struck a tree.

She said the two deputies aboard the vessel were transported to a local hospital.

“One deputy was treated for injuries and subsequently released,” Vincent said. “The other deputy remains hospitalized, suffering from serious but non-life-threatening injuries.” 

Sheriff Stitch Guillory said the incident “is a stark reminder that no one is immune to accidents on the water, even those with extensive training and experience.”

“We urge everyone to always stay vigilant and pay close attention when boating,” Guillory said. “While we are relieved that the injuries sustained by our deputies are non-life-threatening, they are still serious and they have a road to recovery ahead of them.”

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is currently handling the investigation of the crash and any further questions about the accident should be directed to them.