RedactedNarrative: On December 20, 2017, Vessel 1 was recreational cruising on the Suwannee River around the town of Suwannee. While underway, Vessel 1’s steering mechanism suffered a mechanical failure which caused the vessel to unexpectedly turn hard left to port, ejecting the operator.  The passenger of the vessel was thrown to the rear deck of the vessel. A good Samaritan observed Operator in the water and pulled him from the water. Vessel 1 began making sharp circular turns in the river until it ran out of gas. Once out of gas, the good Samaritan was able to tow the vessel and its occupants back to the Gateway Marina where they were met by emergency medical personnel. The passenger was flown to Shands of Gainesville where his condition was listed as critical. The driver was later transported to Shands of Gainesville to be evaluated.
  - (OWNER (OPERATOR) ON VESSEL V01:  Minor bruising
  - (OCCUPANT ON VESSEL V01:  Broke C6 vertebrae, ruptured ear drums, minor lacerations on the face, and contusions
  Based on evidence and information gathered to date the steering arm was not properly secured to the outboard engine and became dislodged while it was being operated. The outboard engine, when observed at the marina, had a deteriorated trim tab anode.  This anode is important being it prevents the outboard from drastically turning in one direction when properly installed. When the steering arm disconnected from the engine, coupled with the lack of a trim tab, it immediately turned the vessel hard to port causing the operator to be ejected from the vessel and the passenger to be thrown to the aft of the vessel.
  
  