Vessel 1 was a 22' bayliner cabin motorboat with 1 person on board and 2 people being towed on a tube. Operator and sole occupant of vessel 1, in water barge cove, lake mead nat'l rec area, vessel 1 was towing an inflatable tube with 2 occupants.  While towing the strap connecting the tow line to the tube broke free.  Operator operated back to the tube and handed the tow line to occupant 1.  Occupant 1 and 2 attempted to secure the line to the handles on the tube.  Vessel 1 began operating forward while occupant 1 and 2 were still holding the tow line.  Occupant 2 felt  a burning sensation in her hand, she let go of the rope and looked at occupant 1  who was holding up her left hand and occupant 2 could see that occupant 1's finger was almost all the way detached from her hand.  They waved operator to return and when he did he threw a towel to occupant 2 who had to retrieve the towel from the water.  Occupant 1 got on board vessel 1 and occupant 2 floated in the water with the tube until operator came back from dropping off occupant 1 at the houseboat.  Occupant 1 was transported by ambulance to the hospital.  No damage was done to the vessel.  Occupant 1 left ring finger amputated pain in left arm from pulling, pain in lower back from twisting.  Occupant 2 was treated for friction burns to right hand from tow line. Operator was cited for nrs 488.400 reckless operation, nrs 488.570 operate a vessel towing a person on a tube without an observer.
HENDERSON                     