RedactedNarrative: On May 1, 2021 on the Withlacoochee River in Florida, vessel 1 (FL1517BE, occupied by two people), turned hard to starboard, when Operator removed his hand from the manual steering stick to wave at people on shore, and struck a cypress tree. 
  
  I inspected the vessel and observed damage directly at the bow as well as fractures in the fiberglass down both sides of the vessel. Both occupants of the vessel sustained injuries and were transported to sperate hospitals. Operator was issued a Citation for violation of Navigation Rule #8 Failure to Avoid a Collision. 
  
  Occupant incurred abrasion to his right temple and right elbow as well as a small fracture to his right femur.
   Operator incurred injuries to his right knee and right ankle. Right ankle required surgery.