Operator was operating his vessel in the newport river in the vicinity of chimney island with a northwest heading.  Passengers on board included operator's son and his daughter-in-law.  While underway, operator encountered a self-described "large wake".  Operator attempted to reduce speed in an effort to minimize the impact of the wake on this boat.  Victim was facing aft and in a seated position in the bow of the boat.  The wake caused the bow to rise suddenly causing victim to be launched upward into the air.  The bow then dropped as the boat entered the trough.  This increased the distance from which victim would then fall back into her seat.  Victim then fell back into the area that she had previously occupied and injured her back.  Victim's chief complaint was pain in and around her lower back.  Upon reaching shore, victim was transported to the carteret general hospital emergency department where she received treatment for her injuries.  She was interviewed following an x-ray examination in the hospital.
In my opinion, there was no reason to believe that alcohol or drugs were involved or a contributing factor.  There was no indication that victim's injuries were a result of negligent operation.
BEAUFORT