Operator was operating a rented pontoon vessel in Blackburn Bay, Sarasota County Florida.  At approximately 1205 hours the vessel was traveling south just outside of the inner coastal waterway.  His son  was on the bow while the vessel was making way.  The vessel was cruising in shallow water and momentarily ran aground, causing victim to be ejected over the bow of the vessel. The vessel continued on its forward path and victim went under the vessel and was struck by the propeller.  Operator and wife pulled victim back on to the boat, applied tourniquet to stop the bleeding.  Simultaneously the witness called 911 and boarded the pontoon vessel to assist with the victim.  Sarasota Sheriff's Office Marine unit arrived and transported the victim to Gulf Harbor Marina where he was met by EMS and flown to Tampa General Hospital with life threatening injuries. The victim received several lacerations from the propeller on his left shoulder down his left arm and his left hand.  His left arm was nearly completely severed.  He also had several lacerations on his buttocks and left leg.  He was flown to Tampa General Hospital due to the blood loss and extent of his injuries.
OSPREY                        