RedactedNarrative: The vessel was a 18ft aluminum jon boat registration TN 8842 EF.   Operator sustained serious injuries from the event.  Operator was transported to Johnson City Medical Center by Wings Air Rescue.  Operator suffered crack vertebrae, broken ribs, and a punctured lung during the event.   The other two refused treatment. 
  
  Based on Statements 
  
  On May 17th 2014 at approximately 19:00 Operator was operating an 18ft jon boat up the Watauga River during a generation event.  The three individuals were going to fish the lower end of the Watauga River.  Operator operated the vessel up the river, and pulled off to the side to tie on fishing lures.  Once the individuals had their fishing gear ready, Operator used the trolling motor to operate the vessel away from the bank and to begin fishing.  Operator used the trolling motor to keep the bow of the vessel upstream.   While the trolling motor was down and was running, the trolling motor propeller impacted the river bottom.  The impact broke two blades on the propeller.  The damage of the propeller reduced control of the vessel.  In a short period of time, the vessel drifted into a low lying tree limb over hanging the river.  Upon impact with the tree, Operator became pinned between the console of the vessel and the tree.  Occupants climbed on the tree and grabbed hold of Operator before the vessel became dislodged from the tree.   The vessel came to rest downstream  approximately .5 miles.  Occupants stated that Operator was in and out of consciousness.  Occupants stated that it became increasingly difficult to hold Operator out of the water.  Occupant1 entered the water and swam to the bank, so that Occupant2 could release Operator into the river and be retrieved by Occupant1.  Occupant2 released Operator and Occupant1 retrieved him and brought him to the bank.   Occupant2 then entered the water and swam to the bank.  A call was placed to 911 and rescue personnel arrived on scene. The two other occupants were hypothermic.
  
  Damage Assessment:
  Two Broke Blades on the Trolling Motor
  Console Windshield Broken off
  Front pedastal seat bent and partly detached from front deck
  Damage to Port gunwale
  Scratches on Motor Cowl