RedactedNarrative: Approximately 0615 hours, while traveling south in the Zeringue Pipeline Canal (LA xxxxxx), a 15 foot homemade aluminum Flat powered by a 25hp Yamaha, struck a fixed tree which extended from the shoreline into the canal. The tree strike caused the vessel to cease movement. However inertia caused the occupants of the vessel to continue forward. The forward movement of occupants caused them to strike each other and components of the vessel (gunwale/ bow/ deck) causing injuries. One occupant contacted relatives, whom contacted 911. A local farmer retrieved the vessel and occupants from the canal, and transported them to the landing, at which time they received medical attention. Agents documented that the vessel did not possess Personal Flotation Devices. The vessel was propelled by a tiller steering engine, which was equipped with an engine cut off lanyard that was not used. The vessel did not possess required navigation lights. Agents believe that violations of The Louisiana Rules of the Road for Vessels were contributing factors in the vessel incident. Operator was issued criminal citations for Careless operation, fail to comply with PFD requirements, and fail to have PFD on persons under 17 while underway. Operator also received warning citations for fail to comply with engine cut off lanyard requirements Class A tiller, fail to comply with PFD requirements less than 16' tiller outboard, and no running lights.