WATCH: U.S. Coast Guard Rescues 7 People After Lightning Strikes Boat 100 Miles Off Florida Coast

By  //  June 27, 2022

coast guard: boaters were well prepared with all necessary safety equipment

ABOVE VIDEO: 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. The five women and two men were returned without medical concerns to the air station where family greeted them. U.S. Coast Guard and survivor video.

(U.S. COAST GUARD) – The Coast Guard rescued seven people, Saturday, after their 39-foot personal vessel was struck by lightning 100 offshore of Clearwater, Florida.

A Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter aircrew hoisted the five women and two men without medical concerns and returned them to the air station where family greeted them.

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 were part of a fishing tournament.

“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, we’re well prepared with all necessary safety equipment including an EPIRB, flares, and a marine VHF radio to ensure a quick and efficient rescue.”

The vessel owner is coordinating with commercial salvage to recover the disabled vessel.

“Fortunately, the boaters, in this case, we’re well prepared with all necessary safety equipment including an EPIRB, flares, and a marine VHF radio to ensure a quick and efficient rescue.” (U.S. Coast Guard image)
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