RedactedNarrative: Sgt. was dispatched to the Watch Hill Yacht Club for a report of a subject struck and injured by a boat propeller.  At  the scene Sgt. spoke with boat operator who reported that he was operating the boat with 4 people on board.  The boat was headed north at 25 knots through the Fisherman’s Cut in the Pawcatuck River.  The steering suddenly failed and Operator lost steerage.  The boat went into a hard starboard turn and Passenger was thrown overboard off the port side.  The boat turned sharply a few times before Operator could stop the engine.  victim was assisted back onto the boat.  He had a 4-inch laceration on his forearm and a 2-inch laceration inside his left elbow.  A passing boat assisted them and towed the boat into Watch Hill Marina where they met Westerly EMS.  Based on Sgt.’s investigation and examination of the boat, she concluded that the accident was caused by a mechanical failure. The failed steering caused the boat to turn sharply throwing victim overboard.  The boat continued to turn sharply a few rotations before the engine was stopped.  The propeller then struck victim’s left arm.