Lightning kills
Two brothers from DeFuniak Springs died Sunday after their 14-foot jon boat was caught in a summer squall on Panhandle's Choctawhatchee Bay.
"Investigators found two life jackets in their swamped boat," said Stan Kirkland of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. "We are waiting for a report from the medical examiner but it appears that lighting may have played a role."
The brothers, 17-year-old Logan Alford and 21-year-old Lucas Alford, were fishing when a thunderstorm rolled through late in the afternoon. Investigators suspect the boys may have tried to cross the bay during the squall.
During this time of the year, storms can form quickly over open water. If you see storm clouds approaching, head for a safe harbor long before you see the first signs of lighting. Plan you boating for the morning or early afternoon, before the thunderclouds have a chance to form. The last place you want to be in an electrical storm is out on the bay in an aluminum boat.
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This brings up a question.....Im starting to do fishing in the gulf 20-40 miles out in my 31 ft center console. Besides not fishing in the summer what is my best option for dealing with the thunder storms.
Joe M
Posted by: joe m | June 26, 2008 at 10:38 AM