RedactedNarrative: single vessel incident.  Two subjects in a vessel(operator & passenger) both standing. Vessel was cruising at approximately 30 mph.  Suddenly the lower unit and propeller of the outboard motor strikes a solid submerged object in the waterway. Upon impact the passenger was thrown forward onto the floor of the boat near the bow.  Also upon impact the operator was thrown forward into the center console of the vessel the hydraulic steering ram components became bent disabling the steering.  This forced the motor to make the vessel turn hard to the right. The operator was thrown to the starboard gunnel. where he impacted both of his thighs and then was ejected from the vessel into the waterway.  The passenger was able to stop the vessel after the incident. Neither subject was wearing PFD's. The operator was not wearing the kill switch.  The operator sustained minor injuries consisting of pain in both thighs.