On the afternoon of May Fourteenth, four British nationals faced a frightening situation when their catamaran was struck by lightning near Cabo de la Huerta, in Alicante. The fourteen-metre vessel was anchored when the storm hit, but it was equipped with a lightning rod on its mast, likely preventing serious injuries to the crew.

Fortunately, all four individuals on board were unharmed. However, the lightning strike caused significant damage to the catamaran’s electronic systems, rendering navigation equipment and the anchor inoperable. As a safety measure, the crew promptly sent a distress signal.

Maritime Rescue responded quickly, dispatching the Salvamar Leo from its base in Alicante around five o’clock in the evening. The rescue team arrived and began towing the disabled vessel back to port. Due to the malfunctioning electrical system, the crew had to manually raise the anchor before being towed to safety.

By late afternoon, the catamaran was securely docked at Alicante marina. Witnesses reported hearing a loud thunderclap at around three o’clock, right at the moment of the strike, illustrating the unpredictable nature of the Spanish weather.