V1 was traveling north on the St. John's River attempting to navigate the turn at the Possum Bluff shelter.  The operator stated he was traveling approximately 30 mph.  As V1 entered into the turn it began sliding sideways in the water towards the outside edge of the river.  The operator attempted to maneuver out of the turn, but a poorly designed steering system combined with operator inexperience allowed the vessel to slide into the riverbank.  V1 grounded parallel to the bank causing V1 to stop suddenly.  All 3 occupants continued in a forward motion after V1 stopped.  The operator and male passenger were thrown clear of V1.  The female passenger was ejected from her seat, and fell to the deck of V1.  She landed in a manner that allowed her right rib cage to make contact with V1's starboard gunwale.  The operator and male passenger were uninjured, while the female passenger was transported to the hospital where she was treated and released with a broken rib.

COCOA                         