TAMPA, Fla. — A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter lifted seven boaters to safety after their 39-foot vessel was struck by lightning 100 miles off the Clearwater coast Saturday.
The five women and two men were participating in a fishing tournament when their boat encountered a lightning storm, according to a Coast Guard news release. None sustained serious injuries.
“Lightning storms are routinely encountered in the Florida maritime environment and can pose a significant hazard to boaters,” Coast Guard pilot Lt. David McKinley said in a statement.
Fortunately, McKinley said, the boaters were equipped with an emergency beacon, flares and a maritime radio to ensure a quick rescue.
The boaters were transported safely back to a Coast Guard air station in Clearwater where they were greeted by waiting family members.
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