The boat was traveling upstream from tory hole access area.  One subject was at engine, adjusting the throttle manually.  There was a person sitting in an elevated swivel seat at the bow of the boat, 2 persons sitting midway of the vessel, one on each side.  The operator was stationed in a seated position on the starboard side of the boat, directly behind the passenger seated midways of the vessel.  As the person adjusting the throttle on the engine turned it to full throttle, the boat struck an underwater object.  The boat became airborne and rolled to port mid air.  All passengers were thrown from the vessel.  The operator became aware soon after the accident that his leg had been cut.  Neither he nor anyone else at the scene is sure as to what he cut it on.  By the time the boat was recovered, it had been in the water overnight and any traces of blood that may have existed had washed away.  The operator and both female passengers were taken to the hospital.  The operator received 22 staples in his shin.  The juvenile passenger was examined and was given a sling to keep her arm still.  (no mention of what the injury to her arm was).  The adult female passenger sustained a back injury (no mention of to what extent she was injured).  The boat was recovered the following day by a resident of the cape fear river.  The boat was examined at that person's private boat ramp.
ELIZABETHTOWN                 