The US Coast Guard rescues seven people off Florida’s Gulf coast after their boat is struck by lightning. A 39-foot private boat was struck by lightning 100 miles west of Clearwater, just north of Tampa Bay. While none of the people on board were injured, the boat was no longer operable and so they activated their emergency beacon to call for help.
The Coast Guard received their distress call and sent a helicopter from their station in Clearwater to rescue the boaters. All seven passengers, five women and two men, were safely transported to shore and reunited with their families.
"Lightning storms are routinely encountered in the Florida maritime environment and can pose a significant hazard to boaters," says Coast Guard Lieutenant David McKinley. "Fortunately, the boaters in this case were well prepared with all necessary safety equipment including an EPIRB (emergency beacon), flares, and a marine VHF radio to ensure a quick and efficient rescue."
Source: NBC Miami