Update: Woman killed in Bayou Caddy boating accident identified

A woman was killed Saturday when the boat she was riding in was hit broadside by another boat in Bayou Caddy, authorities said.

The woman’s sister identified her as Vanessa Mauffray, 19, of Kiln.

Chief Deputy Don Bass said the two boats crashed about 10 a.m. near Bordages Brothers’ Marina in Bayou Caddy.

The accident sank one boat. Mauffray was killed, Bass said.

He described the boats as small recreational vessels.

Mauffray’s sister, Victoria McKinley, said Mauffray, a Hancock High School graduate, was in a boat with her boyfriend when another boat crashed into them. They had been checking crab traps, McKinley said.

Mauffray’s boyfriend was injured but refused medical treatment to be with her, McKinley said. The two often checked for crabs in the boat together.

“She was just a free-spirited ray of sunshine,” McKinley said. “She brought light to everyone’s life. She was a great aunt to my son, selfless and made the world a better place.”

McKinley said Mauffray loved being on the water and was learning how to hunt. She was taking college classes and working.

Mississippi Department of Marine Resources spokeswoman Melissa Scallan confirmed one of the boats was trapping crabs when it was struck.

“One was setting crab traps and was broadsided by the second boat,” Scallan said.

Bayou Caddy is in the Lakeshore community near the Silver Slipper Casino.

DMR is investigating.

This story was originally published June 25, 2016 at 5:03 PM with the headline "Update: Woman killed in Bayou Caddy boating accident identified."