According to statements from operator and passenger, V1 was headed North on Dale Hollow Lake above First Island on rough and choppy water.  Approximately 300 yards SE of Holly Creek Island, the vessel took an abrupt direction change --the bow of the boat went > than 40 deg towards the East(starboard) causing the boat to "bite" the water and eject both occupants out the port side.  The occupants inflatable PFDs both deployed, keeping the occupants afloat, however, the "kill switch" lanyard--which was attached to the drivers PFD--failed at the plastic clip at the PFD.  The boat went to idle when the operators foot came off the "hot foot" and went into a circling pattern. Due to the wind, the boat did not circle back into the two occupants but drifted away and towards Holly Creek Island.  Both occupants struggled towards Holly Creek Island for approximately 20 minutes,and had begun to tire physically, when another boater arrived and was able to retreive both of the V1 occupants and get them to a marina where the passenger of V1 was transported by ambulance to the Cumberland River Hospital. V1 was recovered by the operator of Horse Creek Marina. The steering and other components were checked for failure but seemed to be in good working order by responding Wildlife Officer.
CELINA                        