RedactedNarrative: Operator advised he was underway in Back River when he lost steering and struck a red channel marker headed toward Wallaces Marina and Dandy Haven Marina. Operator advised after striking the channel marker the vessel sunk in shallow water. Operator and the two other occupants waited approximately 30 minutes when they flagged down another vessel for assistance. Operators wife who was on the vessel involved in the accident was transported by Ambulance to Hampton Sentara and received 4 stitches above her right eye and 2 stitches below her right eye. 
  
  Operator received minor scrape to the top of his head and a third passenger received no injuries. 
  
  Examination of the vessel on 10-4-16 by MPO revealed the bracket holding the cable that actuates the rudder on the vessel broke off therefore the steering would not turn the vessel causing the operator to strike the fixed object while trying to turn while navigating in the channel