Lightning Strikes Boat Off Clearwater, 7 People Rescued By Coast Guard

CLEARWATER, FL — The Coast Guard rescued seven people Saturday after their 39-foot boat was struck by lightning 100 miles offshore of Clearwater.

A Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter aircrew hoisted the five women and two men and returned them to the air station where family greeted them. None were injured in the lightning strike.

The Coast Guard District Seven command center received an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon, 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 were well-prepared with all necessary safety equipment including an EPIRB, flares and a marine VHF radio to ensure a quick and efficient rescue."

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