A Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter aircrew rescued seven people after their 39-foot personal vessel was struck by lightning 100 offshore of Clearwater Florida, June 25, 2022. The five women and two men were returned without medical concerns to the air station where family greeted them. U.S. Coast Guard photo.
A scary moment caught on camera…
The Coast Guard rescued seven people on Saturday after their 39-foot personal vessel was struck by lightning 100 offshore of Clearwater, Florida. This story has been getting national media attention.
Coast Guard District Seven command center received an EPIRB alert and was able to contact the owner’s wife who said her husband and others where part of a fishing tournament.
A Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter aircrew was dispatched to the scene, hoisting the five women and two men and returning them to the air station where they were greeted by family. Amazingly, there were no injuries medical concerns.
“Lightning storms are routinely encountered in the Florida maritime environment and can pose a significant hazard to boaters,” said Lt. David McKinley, Coast Guard pilot. “Fortunately, the boaters in this case were well prepared with all necessary safety equipment including an EPIRB, flares, and a marine VHF radio to ensure a quick and efficient rescue.”
Video of the incident and rescue can be viewed below:
Join the gCaptain Club for curated content, insider opinions, and vibrant community discussions.
Join the 109,189 members that receive our newsletter.
Have a news tip? Let us know.
A Finnish court has denied a request for the release of an oil tanker suspected of damaging an undersea power line and four telecommunications cables in the Baltic Sea last week, one of several since 2022 in which underwater critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea has suffered suspicious damage.
Crowley has strengthened its position in Pacific Northwest maritime services through the strategic acquisition of Main Line Inc., a Seattle-based vessel mooring company, effective January 1. The acquisition enhances Crowley’s...
Two Greek shipping companies have been slapped with $4.5 million in fines and penalties after their vessel, the MT Kriti Ruby, was caught illegally dumping oily waste at sea and...
Maritime and offshore news trusted by our 109,189 members delivered daily straight to your inbox.
Essential news coupled with the finest maritime content sourced from across the globe.
Sign Up
Join The Club
