Lightning-damaged yacht: Retired couple stranded in Bahamas

An English couple enjoying their sailing retirement are stranded in the Bahamas after their boat is struck by lightning.

Mike Beach, 63, and his wife Helen, 61, spent all their savings on the yacht. They embarked on their journey on a pleasure boat worth over 50,000 pounds sterling or $85,000.

But the couple's journey turned into a disaster on March 23 when their ship was struck by lightning. The “loud” incident damaged nearly all of the yacht's equipment, costing at least 36,000 pounds sterling (more than $61,000) in repairs.

With money still to spare and only a modest pension, Mike and Helen can't afford beach repairs. During hurricane season, they race against time to raise money to repair their boat.

“It's really scary right now because all the other boats are going back to the United States to get out of the hurricane and tropical storm belt and we're stuck here,” the 60-year-old said. the mirror.

However, a crowdfunding campaign was started by the couple's friend and fellow sailor so they could pay their insurance excess and the additional costs the condition created.

The fundraiser closed Friday evening after Mike and Helen reached a settlement with their insurer.

“Pontenius insurers responded very quickly and today Mike and Helen accepted a pleasant offer. With your help, they will be able to carefully rebuild/replace all onboard systems damaged by lightning,” it said.