RedactedNarrative: According to the operator, he and his family departed from ocracoke island and were en route to belhaven, nc. Approximately 4 miles north of the lee high, operator struck a submerged object in the pamlico sound. He advised that his engine kicked up out of the water after the strike. He said that he did not see what they struck. The force of the strike caused operator's wife to fall and injure her foot. Operator advised that his engine ran for a few more miles and the lower unit locked up. At this time, operator contacted two different private towing services. Both companies advised that it would be 5-6 hours before they could reach his location. At this time operator advised that he started calling everyone he could think of for help. He said that he had his anchor out and dipped his bow four times. At that point, he raised the anchor and began drifting in the sound. Ncwrc, ncdmf and uscg responded to his calls for help. Ncwrc officers located operator and his family approximately 13.5 miles out in the pamlico sound at approximately 22:05 hrs. Three of passengers including his wife were transferred to the uscg vessel. Uscg transported his wife to belhaven, nc where ems picker her up. She was taken to vidant beaufort county hospital where she was treated for a broken foot. Ncwrc officers towed operator and his son back into the swan quarter access area. The use of alcohol and drugs did not contribute to this accident. The entire family wore type ii pfds after the vessel became disabled. Operator's vessel was inspected earlier in the day by the uscg at ocracoke. No violations were detected.