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.
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."
