RedactedNarrative: On 8/14/2021 Vessel 1 was being operated.  Vessel 1 was owned by the passenger.  The 2 subjects were attempting to go fishing by Dead Man Island which is located in Bay Eloi.  It was early in the morning, not quite light yet(approximately 5:30am-5:45am).  
  
  Operator was operating Vessel 1 standing behind the center console on the port side.  Occupant was standing behind the center console on the starboard side.  Operator was operating Vessel 1 because he was way more familiar with the area than Occupant.  They had only made it into Lake Eloi but could see that they were approximately 100 YDS away from the point where the body of water name would have changed to Bay Eloi.  Operator was operating Vessel 1 at a cruising speed.  Operator  said that he knew that he was operating Vessel 1 at 42 MPH because that is what he saw on the GPS during the time of his operation.  Suddenly a PVC pole appeared in front of the starboard bow.  Operator said that he did not see the PVC pole until it was too late.  Occupant said that he never saw the PVC pole at all at any point in time.  Operator said that it was too late for him to maneuver to avoid crashing into the PVC pole. The starboard bow of  Vessel 1 made contact with the PVC pole at 42MPH under his control.  The pole broke upon impact and made contact with the face of Occupant.  The force of the PVC pole contact knocked Occupant backwards onto his buttocks onto the floor of Vessel 1.  
  
  Operator said that Occupant was in a daze for about 10-15 seconds.  Operator said that he saw a lot of blood.  Operator immediately called 911 and advised the operator of the incident and injury.  Operator drove him and himself in Vessel 1 back to the launch(Hopedale Marina) where he was met by EMS.  He was treated on land by EMS and quickly airlifted to the hospital where he received further professional medical treatment.   He had a bruise under his eye, his lip was split in many places as well as the inside of his mouth was lacerated.  He received several stiches externally as well as internally.  It is not believed that neither alcohol nor drugs played any sort of factor in this incident.  It appears that there was improper look out while navigating, especially at the particular time of day when this incident happened.  Speed also may have been a contributing factor.  A slower speed at the time of day where vision is not superb may have given Operator more time to react to the oncoming obstacle.  A slower speed may have also given Occupant time to identify the obstacle and alert Operator of the oncoming danger. PFD not used.