Sailboat With Passengers Struck By Lightning At Castle Island
BOSTON (CBS) - A sailboat with nine passengers was struck by lightning at Castle Island, sparking a fire on the boat.
No injuries were reported. The passengers were later dropped off at Pier 6 in Charlestown.
The Boston Fire Department responded to the incident around 2 p.m.
A small fire in the boat's engine spread to other parts of the 60-foot boat, fire officials said.
"The smoke started billowing up, it came right up through the instrument panel," recalled helmsman John McMann.
Marine Unit responded earlier today at approx. 2:10 pm for a report of a boat fire off the coast of Castle Island South Boston. Smoke showing on arrival from an approx. 50 foot occupied sailboat. pic.twitter.com/npopxOVDjE
— Boston Fire Dept. (@BostonFire) August 4, 2018
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, the boat lost power so the radio was not working.
Passengers on board were able to signal to a nearby tugboat. The people on the tugboat then called 911.
"It was a matter of minutes, I mean Boston Police and Boston Fire -- bless them," said John McMann. He feels lucky to be alive. "I'm going to go home to play the lottery."