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British tourists rescued after lightning strikes yacht off Alicante coast
The catamaran's electronic system was rendered useless and the Brits had o be towed back to Alicante port
Four British nationals experienced the unpredictable Spanish weather firsthand on Wednesday afternoon, May 14, when lightning struck their catamaran as it was anchored near Cabo de la Huerta, in the Sidi area of ​​Alicante.
The 14-metre vessel was equipped with a lightning rod on its mast, which likely spared the crew from serious harm. Fortunately, none of the four on board were injured.
However, the strike knocked out the boat's electronic systems, leaving them unable to operate their navigation equipment or raise the anchor.
With their systems down and no way to continue safely, a distress call was made and Maritime Rescue quickly dispatched the Salvamar Leo from its base in Alicante around 5pm. The rescue team arrived at the scene and began towing the disabled catamaran back to port.
Because the electrical system was out, the crew had to raise the anchor manually before being towed at low speed to safety. By late afternoon, the yacht was securely docked in Alicante marina.
A local resident from Playa de San Juan explained that the catamaran had been anchored in the area for several days. Another reported hearing an extremely loud thunderclap at around 3pm, likely the moment the lightning struck.
Images: Pexels
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