RedactedNarrative: Subject along with his wife were operating his 19.5 Ranger, LA 8529 FH, in Bayou Cheveuil on 5/23/20, at approximately 2:45 PM. They left the Bayou Cheveuil  launch headed East. The vessel was brought up on plan. Operator stated the remote steering became unresponsive only turning left. 
  
  Operator expressed that he had done some work to the Hydraulic steering earlier that week. (A check of the steering at the time the boat was inspected did not expose any issues with the steering. A check of the steering off power showed it to be responsive in both directions and a check of the engine did not expose any play between the engine and the steering connection.) 
  
  Operator reduced speed as soon as he encountered the problem but vessel continued it’s path into the North bank striking a tree (29 54 537 by 90 43 545) and ceasing it’s forward motion. Operator sustained a contusion and laceration to his left eye as well as a laceration to the left bridge of his nose. He stated that he believed that his injuries resulted from direct contact with the tree and preliminary evidence supports that conclusion. He also suffered some abrasions to his right arm. 
  
  His wife suffered an abrasion to her knee that it was believed to occurred as she fell forward in the vessel. St. James Parish Deputies advised LDWF dispatch of the accident and I, Sgt. was notified at approximately 3:20 PM. Deputies on scene advised that they did not suspect alcohol or drugs and during my interview with Operator at Thibodaux Regional Medical Center my impression was the same. Both subjects had PFDs on and kill lanyard was attached.
  