Boat capsized after being struck by lightning in Bear River, two hurt and one killed
Aug 18, 2024, 12:48 PM | Updated: 10:25 pm
CORINEE, Box Elder County — A person was found dead after a lightning strike hit their boat, capsizing it and throwing its occupants into the water early Sunday morning.
According to the Box Elder Sheriff’s Office, at approximately 12:10 a.m., three people were fishing on Bear River until their boat was struck by lightning, causing it to capsize.
The office reported that two of the three made it to shore and were transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The third person went under the water and did not resurface.
According to the office, the body of the missing person was found at 5:30 a.m. by search and rescue crews using sonar.
“It took about five hours of searching,” said Box Elder County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Cade Palmer to KSL TV.
Earlier Sunday, Palmer issued a statement.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to all those affected by this tragic loss, particularly the friends and family of the deceased. We are sincerely grateful to all the professionals and volunteers who dedicated their time and efforts to the search and successful recovery process,” Chief Deputy Sheriff Cade Palmer with the sheriff’s office said in a written statement.
Waiting on identifcation
The family of the deceased chose to wait until the police release an identification, but they did allow the boat to be filmed by KSL TV. The strike happened about 2 miles downstream of the Bear River Boat Launch in Corinne.
Palmer said the area is a popular spot for night fishing, especially during a full moon.
Of the other two victims, one remains in the hospital, while the other has been released.
The recovery was part of a multi-agency effort that included: the Box Elder County Sheriff’s Office, Box Elder County Search and Rescue, Box Elder County SCUBA Team, Corinne Fire Department, Brigham City Fire Department, Utah Parks and Recreation, Coast Guard, and the Department of Public Safety Aero Bureau.
The National Weather Safety Center said it’s best to seek shelter from a boat immediately once it starts to rain.
If you can’t, a good rule of thumb to know when you could be in potential danger is to count the seconds between thunder and a lightening strike.
If there is under 30 seconds in counting, electricity is nearby and you are at risk.
Another sign lightening will strike soon is when hair stands straight from the body.
