Operator 1, was cruising north in the canal bordering the east bank of Joe's Cove.  The vessel was a 15'  Weldcraft registered to Owner 1 and propelled by a 25 hp Mariner outboard engine.  Approximately 1/2 mile south of landing the vessel struck an underwater object.  When this occurred the operator pulled hard on the tiller steering to keep the vessel in a straight line.  When this was done the tiller handle broke off of the engine and became totally detached.  This allowed the vessel, now unsteerable, to turn hard to starboard, ejecting both the operator and his three year old passenger.  The operator stated that both he and his three year old son were wearing p.f.d.'s at the time of the incident.  The operator managed to reach shallow water and eventually stopped the vessel from idling in circles.  The passenger suffered a minor laceration to the top of his head and was treated and released from the hospital.
Hackberry                     