A Sailboat’s Encounter with Lightning in Costa Rica

Lightning Doesn’t Strike Twice … Until it Does!

Sailing through the serene waters of Bahia Ballena, Costa Rica, was meant to be a peaceful part of our journey. Nestled within this remote bay, surrounded by lush tropical forests, our sailboat, Fortitude X, a 2008 Beneteau 423, seemed far removed from the unpredictability of the open ocean. But the tranquillity shattered in a split second. Not once, but twice, lightning struck our vessel, catapulting us into a whirlwind of challenges that would span several months and several countries before being resolved.

The Double Strike in Bahia Ballena

It was a humid, overcast afternoon when the first strike hit. The distant rumble of thunder had rolled in, but the storm’s severity was unexpected. The flash came with a deafening crack, leaving us momentarily stunned. We barely had time to throw our mobile phones, laptops, and iPads in the oven, which was operating as a Faraday cage.

We were still grappling with the first strike when, unbelievably, a second bolt hit! This time, the force felt even more intense, leaving behind a faint odour of burnt electronics.

Initial Assessment

The surge of energy that went through the boat affected all systems, from our navigation equipment to control panels, and pretty much all other electronic tools. The instruments gave us no conclusive readings, error messages, or a blank screen, leaving us in a precarious position in this remote bay. Furthermore, our Starlink dish was dead, leaving us with very limited communication. In addition to all the damage, our alternator and regulator were malfunctioning.

Here is a quick summary of the next steps we took:

1. Assessed the Immediate Situation for Safety

• Ensured No Fire or Leaks: Examined the boat for fire hazards or water ingress. Lightning can burn insulation or puncture the hull, leading to immediate risks.
• Inspected for Physical Damage: Checked for structural damage to the hull, mast, or rigging. A lightning strike can cause holes, cracks, or burns.
• Disconnected All Power Sources: Turned off the main power and disconnected the batteries to avoid further electrical damage. Evaluated each system by turning them on one by one.

2. Conducted a Preliminary Survey of Affected Systems

In remote areas, prioritizing system checks can help you decide what needs repair or replacement.

• Electrical Systems: Started with the batteries, alternator, regulator, and breaker panels. Lightning often fries electrical circuits, so we assessed these for signs of burns, melted components, or short circuits.
• Navigation Equipment: Checked radar, GPS, autopilot, and chart plotters. Damage to these can leave you navigating manually, so we prioritized repairs to regain navigational capability.
• Communication Devices: Tested VHF radios, satellite phones, or SSB radios, IridiumGo, InReach, Starlink. These are essential for contacting help or coordinating repairs.
• Grounding System: Inspected the boat’s grounding system, which was meant to direct lightning strikes safely into the water. Compromised grounding may need immediate repair to prevent further strikes from causing catastrophic damage.
• Documented Everything Thoroughly. Used a camera and written notes to record damage for insurance and repair planning. We created a spreadsheet and added everything, e.g. conversations with the water maker manufacturer, contact information, and part numbers.

3. Stabilized Essential Systems for Safe Operation

Before sailing to a more equipped port for full repairs, we stabilized key systems – all communicated in agreement with our insurance adjustor.

• Power Generation: We have an Efoy fuel cell, which enabled us to charge the battery to reduce the drain at night as our solar panels worked to some extent. Portable generators, if available, could be a lifesaver in this type of situation. As mentioned above the alternator was damaged, so we focused on minimal repairs to generate or store enough power for essential systems.
• Navigation: We had three independent systems on Fortitude X, the helm chart-plotter, which malfunctioned, as well as OpenCPN and Navionics (on Laptop and Ipad), which remained working. We also had a handheld GPS. Our AIS was down. This was a concern entering the busy waters of Panama City. Luckily, we have a dAISy, a small AIS device that we connected to our laptop; this gave us the ability to display the targets on OpenCPN and ensured a safe passage through the busy sea at the entrance to the Panama Canal.
• Backup Communication: We had two handheld VHF radios and an emergency antenna: a Shakespeare Stowaway Emergency VHF Antenna.
• Lighting and Safety Gear:  We ensured emergency lights and life-saving equipment were functional.

Communicating with Insurance Amidst the Chaos

Once the storm passed and we regained composure, we focused on reaching out to our insurance provider. The challenge was significant: with our primary communication tools damaged, we relied on backup equipment to send a note to our insurance broker, who reported it to our insurance company, in our case Global Yacht Cover. We were then contacted by the insurance-appointed adjuster who resides in Greece. After explaining the situation, their response was swift and pragmatic. They instructed us to document the damage meticulously, using photographs and written descriptions.

The adjuster emphasized the importance of stabilizing the boat and it’s systems before undertaking any long journeys. We discussed potential interim destinations for urgent repairs, and Golfito, a port town on Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast, was agreed upon as a feasible option.

We also had to verify the location where the damage occurred with the adjuster; this was straightforward since we recorded our tracks on OpenCPN and Navionics.

Reaching Golfito for Essential Repairs

Navigating to Golfito was a test of resilience. With diminished power systems, we rationed what little power we could generate and relied on manual backups, including paper charts and handheld GPS devices. The journey was tense, but we arrived safely and immediately sought assistance from local trades. Unfortunately, there were no certified marine technicians and supply was marginal.

In Golfito, the priority was to restore basic functionality. We installed a new alternator and regulator to allow safe passage to our next destination, but we knew this was just the beginning. The true extent of the damage would require thorough inspections that Golfito’s facilities couldn’t fully accommodate.

Sailing to Panama City for Assessment and Repairs

With the boat patched up, we set sail for Panama City. This leg of the journey carried risks; every creak of the hull and flicker of the remaining electronic systems served as reminders of the boat’s fragile state. We hand-steered Fortitude X 552 NM (1,022 kilometres) at 5.5 knots (10 kilometres an hour), comparable to driving north to south through Germany.

On arrival, the insurance surveyor visited Fortitude X to conduct a detailed evaluation. This was a critical step in determining the scope of the damage and outlining the path to repairs and replacement of systems. The surveyors were very diligent and inspected each piece of equipment and checked the rig for damage. They also requested a haul out to inspect the hull.

The surveyor’s findings were extensive: apart from the alternator and regulator, the lightning had compromised navigation systems, communication equipment, and other electrical components. The cost of repairs would be significant, and further expertise was needed to cross-check the damage report. To sum it up: everything was affected except the windlass, fridge and freezer.

Engaging Our Own Surveyor

To ensure a comprehensive assessment, the adjuster advised us to engage an independent surveyor. This second opinion was crucial not only for confirming the extent of the damage but also for verifying the insurer’s findings. Their detailed report provided additional clarity on what systems needed replacement versus repair.

While the surveyor’s analysis unfolded, we maintained constant communication with the insurance adjuster in Greece. This transparency proved essential in navigating the bureaucratic maze of claims and approvals. Each update required a detailed explanation, accompanied by photographic evidence and technical reports.

Ordering and Installing Replacement Equipment

Once both surveyors’ assessments aligned, we got a quote from a local reputable company. This sounds easier than it was since we do not speak Spanish, and their English left room for errors; needless to say, we were grateful for Google Translate.

We then faced the logistical challenge of sourcing the necessary equipment. Many components had to be imported, a time-consuming process that required meticulous coordination. Shipments were delayed at times due to customs and supply chain issues, but we remained patient, knowing that rushing could compromise quality.

When the equipment finally arrived, the installation became our next hurdle. The process was painstaking, as every connection had to be tested and double-checked to ensure the boat’s safety and reliability. Local technicians worked alongside us, transforming the damaged vessel into a seaworthy craft once again.

Diagnose and Repair Each System

Once the adjuster gave us the go-ahead, the real work started. Communicating and managing the design, ordering and interim paying, scheduling trades, and installation. We cannot emphasis how important it is to stay involved on the design and management of all new components to be installed. We originally had two network systems on board, Raymarine and NMEA 2000; in order to minimize cost and streamline the systems we agreed with the adjuster to only install one network.

The Role of Communication

Throughout this ordeal, our communication with the insurance adjuster in Greece was a lifeline. Their guidance on documenting evidence, filing claims, and coordinating with surveyors was invaluable. Despite the challenges posed by time zones and language barriers, their responsiveness kept the process moving forward.

Maintaining this open line of communication taught us the importance of documenting everything and attention to detail. The insurer’s trust in our diligence played a pivotal role in expediting the claims process, ultimately allowing us to focus on restoring the boat.

Conduct Final Inspections

Once repairs were complete we:
• Tested all systems under normal operating conditions.
• Verified navigation, communication, and power systems were fully operational.
• Conducted a sea trial to calibrate the new systems and to ensure repairs would hold up under real-world conditions.

Final Thoughts

We couldn’t believe that nearly all our equipment had been affected. Even after all identified systems had been replaced, there was still the possibility of damage we wouldn’t detect until later. After the claim with the insurance company had been settled (seven months from incident), we had to replace the control box for the windlass and our anchor and tri-light has since stopped working. These are for sure the effects of the lightning and occurred more than 8 months after the incident. But overall we were happy with the process from the insurers end – and feel lucky that we only experienced damage we were able to repair.

Photo of lighting striking mast is courtesy of Kit Griffin, and taken in Papeete.