CALCASIEU PARISH, La. — A tragic boating accident on the Calcasieu River claimed the life of a 71-year-old man on Sunday evening after he was struck by his own boat’s propeller. Authorities have described the incident as a rare and devastating event that highlights the importance of water safety.
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries identified the victim as Danny Harrison. According to officials, Harrison was operating a 16-foot boat when it hit an unknown object in the river. The impact caused Harrison to be thrown overboard. His boat, still running, began spinning in circles with no one at the controls. While in the water, Harrison was struck by the boat’s propeller and fatally injured.
At the time of the accident, Harrison was wearing a life jacket. However, officials say it was not enough to protect him from the spinning propeller. Investigators noted that Harrison was not using a safety device known as a kill switch lanyard, which automatically turns off the engine if the operator is ejected from the vessel.
Louisiana law requires a kill switch lanyard to be used on boats under 26 feet in length with tiller-controlled outboard motors over 10 horsepower. Harrison’s boat, which had a 40-horsepower motor, met these requirements. Authorities believe that if the safety lanyard had been attached, the engine would have stopped and the accident might have been prevented.
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. It is still unclear what the boat struck or if environmental factors such as river conditions played a role. Officials have not released further information at this time.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a strong reminder for all boaters to follow safety guidelines and use all required equipment. While life jackets are essential, they work best alongside other safety measures, including engine shut-off devices. Proper preparation and caution can be the difference between life and death in the event of an emergency.
As the investigation continues, family and friends of Danny Harrison are mourning his sudden loss. Officials hope the outcome of this case will raise awareness and lead to safer practices on Louisiana waterways, preventing similar tragedies in the future.
