RedactedNarrative: Operator, states he and his girlfriend, passenger, were cruising in vessel, a remote stick steering vessel with a 75hp Mercury outboard, along Bayou Cheramie. The operator stated that he was running wide open, approximately 35 mph, when the vessel's outboard struck a submerged object, which knocked the stick steering loose from his hand and caused his seat to break loose from the deck. Operator then stated he slid to the stern of the vessel while the vessel veered hard to port. Operator reached for the throttle to stop the vessel, but before he could reach the throttle the vessel struck a cypress tree. Once the vessel struck the tree both passenger and operator fell forward. Operator stated the vessel than began to take on water. Operator stated they called passenger's father to help remove the outboard motor and trolling motor. The operator also stated that he was wearing the engine cutoff lanyard and that both occupants were wearing PFD's at the time of the incident. Neither operator nor passenger has completed the Boaters Education Course. Alcohol does not appear to be a contributing factor at this time. Both occupants were treated at the Teche Regional Medical Center for minor injuries.