Sir, - Brian Cusack wonders (July 5th) how seriously his crew were at risk from lightning at sea, and correct course of action for a yachtsman in this situation. The sailors were in danger. A strike 500 yards off is too close.
Yachtsman should observe the following guidelines:
Never put to sea without obtaining a weather forecast.
Don't put to sea without proper safety equipment in working order, including lifejackets, radio, flares, EPIRB (emergency position indicator radio beacon), and liferaft.
Don't put to sea without having a proper planned course to sail; identify safe havens, observe currents and tides.
Don't put to sea if a thunderstorm is imminent, or during a thunderstorm.
If there is a risk of thunder, monitoring the weather channels and the barometer, and observe the visual weather signs.
In the event of an approaching thunderstorm assess the increasing risk. The distance, extent, speed, direction and stage of the thunderstorm are important parameters. A flash-to-clap interval of less than 10 seconds presents a real risk; 10 to 15 seconds is a minimum interval to be considered not immediately at risk.
Make for port if there is sufficient time, and if the storm is severe enough.
Log and plot your position. Radio a coastal station if within range, especially if alone, and again when the storm has passed. Between transmissions, turn off and isolate the radio (and other electrical equipment), and disconnecting the antenna (at the receiver jack) to help prevent loss of the equipment.
Make sure all on board have personal lifesaving gear on - lifejacket, whistle, etc.
Take a course which avoids the path of the storm. Watch the wind; bear in mind that a thunderstorm has its own localised wind pattern superimposed on the prevailing wind pattern.
Realise that you are at risk at sea in a thunderstormthe degree of risk will depend on, among other things, the type and size of vessel, as well as her equipmentand your behaviour.
Strip down the sails. Loop the anchor chain around the stays at deck level and drop the chain into the water between the stays, if the boat has no sound earthing system. Lash the rudder.
Go below decks. Although there is the makings of a Faraday Cage created by the mast, spars and standing rigging - and this offers a significant amount of protection if you don't touch the rigging - the deck is not a good place to be during a lightning storm.
Close the hatch. Curl up in a bunk, or preferably a hammock. Wait until the storm has passed.
Over 60 per cent of victims of lightning strike are uninjured or make a complete recovery. If a crew member is struck, immediately commence cardio-pulmonary resuscitation. Victims of lightning strikes can often be revived. Radio for medical assistance. - Yours, etc.,
Mark Jordan, Ellison Street, Castlebar, Co Mayo.