RedactedNarrative: On Aug.15 2022 at approximately 3:17pm Witness 3 and wife (Witness 2) were operating their watercraft south on the Kaskaskia River.  They observered a individual standing on the west bank waving his hands trying to get their attenting. They were 2.4 miles north of the New Athens boat ramp where they launched their watercraft.  Witness 3 pulled his watercraft up to the bank and the individual (Passenger/ Injured 2) stated his buddy was hurt bad.  Witness 3 and Witness 2 observed a Green/White fiberglass watercraft on the bank in the woods.  The watercraft was completely out of the water by approximatley 8 feet and the skeg from lower unit embeded in the mud.  Witness 2 introduced herself as a Nurse Practitioner as she walked up to the watercraft on the bank.  She observed a individual (Operator / Injured 1) having difficulty breathing lying in the watercraft.  She immedately called 911 for emergency assistance at 3:20pm and administered medical aid.  New Athens Fire and Rescue arrived on scene approximately 7 minutes later.
  
  Witness 3 and Witness 2 launched their watercraft sometime after 2:00pm at the New Athens boat ramp.  They remember seeing Operator and Passenger assisting another boater, who was alone attempting to launch his watercraft.  Witness 3 and Witness 2 were approximatley 1mile north of their launch when Operator and Passenger passed them.  They observed Operator and Passenger trun off the maine channel of the river on to silver Creek.  They could not remember who was operating Operator's watercraft.  Witness 3 and Witness 2 proceeded north for approximatley 6 miles, turning around prior to Fayetteville.
  
  On Aug. 15 2022 at approximately 3:28pm I, CPO 1, was informed by ISP dispatch of a single watercraft accidnet with injuries on the Kaskaskia River near New Athens.  I contacted CPO 2 and CPO 3 to assist at the New Athens boat launch.  I arrived at the New Athens boat launch at approximatley 4:05pm and observed New Athens Fire and Rescue watercraft return to the launch.  Operator was being treated for difficulty breathing and transfered over to ARCH emergency medical team.  Operator was air lifted to St. Louis University Hospital at 4:15pm.  I briefly spoke with the passenger on the watercraft operated by Operator.  Passenger and Operator picked up Operator's watercraft from Taylor Marine prior to taking it out.  They arrived at the New Athens launch around 2:00pm and assisted another individual launch his watercraft.  Passenger estimated leaving the launch around 2:15pm heading north on the river.  Operator was operating back south down river and Passenger was sitting in the rear passenger seat facing the stern.  Passenger thought they might be a little close to the bank and before he could say anythng he felt a slight jolt with the bow pushing to the port side.  He heard Operator say I can't turn.  Passenger looked over his left shoulder and saw the bank and trees.  He turned back arund and ducked down in his seat.  Passenger estimates their speed was around 30mph.  The passenger and drivers seats broke loose from the floor of the watercraft upon impact.  Passenger go up to helped Operator lay back and noticed he was have trouble breathing.  He heard another watercraft heading down river towards him and he waved them down.  Passenger stated they bought a 6 pack and only had a couple beers today.  CPO 3 received name and contact information from Passenger.  I did not detect the smell or notice impairment of alcohol on Passenger.  I spoke with medical / rescue personnal treating Operator and they did not smell or suspect impartment from alcohol.  Passenger was taken by ambulance Belleville Memorial Hospital where he was treated with ibprohen for muscle sorness and bruising.  Operator fractured several ribs puncturing both lungs and two lumbar fractures.  Operator remains in St. Louis University Hospital ICU.
  
  Two of the New Athens rescue personal showed myself, CPO 2 ...