The vessel was westbound on the river when something hit the operator in the eye.  The operator took his attention from operating the vessel to attempt to get the object from his eye.  He felt like the watercraft was turning right and when he looked up, the vessel was heading towards land.  The operator "jerked" the wheel to the left and the change of direction caused him to fall overboard.  The vessel continued and grounded on the bank causing singnificant damage to the front of the vessel.  The operator was picked up by a passing boater and taken to the marina.  He was transported to Morris Hospital for contusions to his abdomen.  The lanyard cutoff switch was worn, but it did not shut off the motor.
Seneca                        