RedactedNarrative: Operator1 lost steerage in his vessel and struck a patch of mangrove trees. Operator advised me that there were ten people aboard his vessel at the time he struck the mangrove trees. He stated that he was navigating through a small cut in the mangroves near his house on Shark Key, like he had done many times before with no issues. He lost all steerage on his vessel and struck the patch of mangroves. The vessel was not functioning properly after striking the mangroves. The people on board and the vessel were towed in by a good Samaritan to his house.
  
  At approximately 1715 I interviewed Operator's brother in law, about the incident and he gave a sworn written statement. He stated they were traveling approximately 25 miles per hour when the steerage went out and they struck the mangroves. Two of the ten people were wearing PFD's at the time of the incident. After taking pictures of the damaged vessel, I inspected the steering mechanism underneath the consol. It appeared to be broken as I found one bolt and two nuts that needed to be connected for the steering to function properly. 
  
  I estimate the damage to the vessel to be $3000 ; One victim sustained a laceration on his head as a result of the boating accident. He was transported to the Lower Keys Medical Center on Stock Island Key.