Fisherman Killed By Lightning In Orleans

[likwid]

Originally Posted by Saltheart

When my friend got hit , the lightning didn't hit the boat. It hit him right on top of the head.

Some say that if the boat has a conductive mast or high rigging , that the mast , etc acts like a protective umbrella. When I sailed , my mast was grounded with a permanent connection to a sea cock. If it appears close , I would also attach jumper cables and drag one end in tha water. In a sailboat you move very slowly , so if you are 25 miles out , it might take 5 or 6 hours to get in so you just have to ride it out.

I have heard of many fisherman getting hit but In the 23 years I had my sail boat , I never heard of anybody getting hit.

If the rig and electronics are well grounded, you're safe on a sailboat.

People seem to think they can outrun these cells, but some of them move upwards of 30-35+ mph. Good luck esp. when the crap hits and its blowing rain sideways.

Couple years ago some major tstorms rolled through S Dartmouth.
It wasn't the 110 foot rig that got hit, but a Rhodes 19 not too far away.
It sunk on its mooring.

"Tallest object" doesn't always apply.