A boat belonging to a Lowcountry seafood supplier was struck by lightning while offshore on Saturday, causing significant damage to the vessel. The incident occurred approximately 50 miles from shore while the boat, named Amy Marie, was on its regular route.
The Incident
Abundant Seafood, the supplier, shared details of the incident on social media, reporting that while the crew was unharmed, the lightning strike caused the boat to lose all electronics and navigation systems. According to the post, the strike was powerful enough to physically blow off the buttons on the VHF radio, rendering it inoperable. The boat’s plotter, auto-pilot, and other critical equipment were also destroyed.
Despite the loss of vital equipment, the crew managed to navigate back to shore, making it home after a challenging 20-hour journey without any navigational tools.
Impact and Community Support
The owners of Abundant Seafood assured the public that the crew was safe but mentioned that they would take a few days to assess the full extent of the damage. They also noted that this incident could impact their supply in the coming days.
“This is a reminder that so many sacrifices are made by those who grow and catch food for this country,” the owners wrote. “Lives are on the line, and commercial fishing remains one of the most dangerous jobs in the world.”
Since the incident, several local restaurants have expressed their support through comments on the social media post, offering services and assistance as needed. However, the seafood suppliers clarified in a follow-up post that while they appreciated the generous offers, they would handle the boat repairs on their own without seeking donations.
While the crew of Amy Marie was fortunate to return home safely, the incident highlights the risks faced by those in the commercial fishing industry. The damage to the boat’s navigation and communication systems is a reminder of how unpredictable and dangerous life at sea can be. Abundant Seafood’s team will continue to assess the situation and work towards getting the boat back in operation.
