The Florida Coast Guard rescued seven passengers when lightning damaged their personal vessel 100 miles off Clearwater as seen in the viral video. The ship was participating in a fishing tournament. The passengers were transported by an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter.
The USCG posted a story about the incident on its official Twitter and Facebook pages, including a startling video that clearly shows the moment the lightning struck the boat on June 26.
“USCG Air Station Clearwater rescued 7 people after their boat was hit by lighting 100 mil off Tampa Bay. Everyone is ok and reunited with family and friends thanks to them activating their EPIRB,” the Coast Guard said in its tweet.
According to a statement by the Coast Guard, the boat contained five women and two men when the frightening lightning strike occurred on the boat. The occupants of the boat were returned to the air base where they were reunited with their friends and family.
After receiving an Emergency Position Indication Beacon (EPIRB) alert, the Coast Guard District Seven Command Center was able to make contact with the owner’s wife, who revealed that her husband and other people were participating in a fishing tournament.
On being asked about how common these incidents are, Coast Guard Pilot Lt. David McKinley said that thunderstorms are a regular occurrence in the Florida marine environment and can pose a significant hazard to boaters.
“Fortunately, the boaters, in this case, were well prepared with all the necessary safety equipment including an EPIRB, flares, and marine VHF radio to ensure a quick and efficient rescue,” Lt. McKinley added.
The shipowner is said to have coordinated with a commercial salvage company to salvage the severely damaged vessel.
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