RedactedNarrative: Operator and his passenger launched their vessel at the Boggy Bayou boat ramp within the Spring Bayou WMA.  After launching, they proceeded southward on Boggy Bayou and encountered an S curve. While maneuvering out of the S curve, the vessel was being steered toward the starboard and continued until striking a large cypress tree.  After striking the cypress tree, the vessel continued in nearly the same direction striking a thorn tree.  The vessel came to a stop after striking the thorn tree.  The impact of the collision caused severe damage to the bow and port side of the vessel.  The bow of the vessel became lodged approximately 5 feet up into the thorn tree.  The passenger was ejected from the boat and was able to swim to shore.  The operator became trapped behind the steering console.  Rescue personnel extracted the operator and transported both operator and passenger to the Boggy Bayou boat launch.  They were the both transported to the Avoyelles Hospital by Acadian Ambulance.  They were placed in a helicopter and further transported to Rapides Medical Center in Alexandria. Operator and passenger both had moderate injuries consisting of broken ribs and bruising.  Drugs and alcohol were not detected.  Neither operator nor passenger was wearing their PFD.  The vessel was equipped with the required PFD's.  According to the operator, he stated that his steering (remote) locked up.  During initial inspection of the vessel, we discovered that the steering was not obstructed.  Further inspection of the steering components and damage assessments revealed that a homemade anchor system on the stern became lodged in the steering arm causing loss of steering.
  