Reportedly on June 9, 2013 operator was operating his vessel (TN-1086-EA) in an upstream direction along the Natalbany River at a speed of approximately 10mph pulling a skiing tube with 5-passengers on board the vessel as well as 2-juvenile occupants on the tube. Operator alleges when he went to execute a left turn the vessels’ steering did not respond to manipulation to a left rotation and as a result the vessel impacted a large tree along the shoreline. 
As a result of the crash one of the rear seated passengers was ejected forward just off the portside bow. Also, of the 5 onboard passengers 4 were injured as follows: 1-minor, 2-moderate, 1-major. In addition to the ejection and injuries the vessel sustained heavy structural damage to the portside section of the bow as well as the keel. 
The vessel was found to be equipped with all necessary/required safety equipment, including PFD’s. The juvenile passengers in this incident were wearing properly fitted PFD’s. 
Upon conclusion of this investigation, investigators concluded that there were 2 main factors which led to this incident: The operators distractions aboard the vessel led him to be inattentive of his surrounding terrain and the pending turn. 2) His level of impairment due to the consumption of alcoholic beverages throughout the day prior to the operation of his vessel contributed greatly to cause 1. 
Subsequently Operator was charged and booked into Tangipahoa Parish Jail on the following: 
14:98J- Operate a vessel while intoxicated (1st off.)/child endangerment 
14:99-Reckless operation of a vessel 
14:39.2-Vehicular Negligent injury (2-counts)
SPRINGFIELD