Operator of Vessel 1 was traveling on plane with 2 passengers in a narrow bayou when the lower portion of a long tail mud motor struck a submerged object in the water while in a port turn.  At this time, the tiller handle of the motor came free from the operator's hand, which had the engine shut-off lanyard attached.  When the operator attempted to pull his arm away from the motor, the engine shut-off lanyard came off of his wrist.  Due to the flat bottom of the vessel and the loss of control of the motor, which was still running Vessel 1 began sliding to starboard as it moved forward toward the bank.  The starboard side of Vessel 1 struck a tree on the bank of the bayou, causing the operator and one passenger to be ejected over the starboard side.  The passenger struck a tree and sustained severe internal head injury, before rolling into the water.  The other passenger, a juvenile, sustained a small cut to her right index finger and was not ejected from the vessel.  The operator sustained minor abrasions to his right forearm and his right back. The operator retrieved the ejected passenger from the water and performed life saving techniques. The subjects re-entered the vessel and returned to the launch where EMS, Fire, and Police were waiting.  The injured passenger was later transported to the hospital for treatment. The juvenile passenger and the operator did not receive any medical treatment.
 
Alcohol was not believed to be involved. PFDs were not worn the operator or the injured passenger.  The juvenile was wearing a PFD which was not properly sized.  The engine cut-off lanyard was attached, however it became unattached during the incident.
NORCO