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Coast Guard rescues family after lightning strikes captain, disables vessel off Cape Canaveral

Vessel, captain struck 2 miles off coast

Coast Guard rescues family after lightning strikes captain, disables vessel off Cape Canaveral (USCGSE)

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – A family was among seven people rescued from a disabled vessel that was left floating off the Florida coast after it and its captain were struck by lightning, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

The 24-foot vessel lost power upon being struck by lightning about two miles east of Cape Canaveral on Saturday, the U.S. Coast Guard said on social media.

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The captain was medevacked while the Coast Guard embarked the other six people, all seven being taken to the Jetty Park boat ramp where emergency medical services were waiting. An update on the captain’s condition had not been shared at the time of this report.

“Bravo Zulu to the crew for getting the family and captain to shore safely!” the Cape Canaveral Coast Guard station stated on social media. “Please make sure you and your families are monitoring the weather before launching and while on the water as we approach this summer season!”

According to the Cape Canaveral Coast Guard station, the vessel was anchored and a safety marine information broadcast was sent out by U.S. Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville to alert mariners in the area. The vessel’s owner was working with commercial salvage for recovery operations at last check, the post states.


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