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News & Press: Leisure navigation

Sailing Boat Struck By Lightning

14 July 2021   (0 Comments)
As mentioned in Chapter 4 of the RIN's Electronic Navigation Systems- Guidance for use on leisure vessels booklet "Guarding against electronic failure on small craft", lightning strikes on small craft are not uncommon and can knock out the electrics.

Failures of this nature came to prominence on Monday when a sailing boat was struck by lightning off the Isle of Wight and had to be rescued by the Freshwater RNLI Team. The RNLI reported that the lightning strike had destroyed the electrical systems, including their VHF radio and had left the engine still running with no means to turn it off. Luckily, no one was injured and the yacht's crew were well prepared with life jackets and had an alternative means of calling for help. As a result, the RNLI were able to come to their assistance, disable the engine and bring the yacht into Yarmouth Harbour where further fire safety checks were carried out.

Reported by Marine Industry News Tuesday 13th July 2021: https://marineindustrynews.co.uk/sailing-boat-struck-by-lightning-off-isle-of-wight/

If you haven't yet downloaded your FREE copy of the Guidance Booklet, please do so here: https://rin.org.uk/page/ENav

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