U.S. Coast Guard Rescues Boaters Off Florida After Lightning Strike Caught on Camera

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:

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