Lightning strike

Last Updated on Sunday, 01 January 2012 23:06

At 14:30 hrs on Friday, 9th September 2011, our lookout was struck by lightning.  On duty were Station Manager, Geoff Leamon and watch keeper Marian Potts.  Both were shocked but unharmed.  Geoff said they had heard thunder in the vicinity but then there was a huge blue flash which lit up the inside of the lookout and a sound like an explosion.  After confirming that everyone was OK, a check was made on the building and equipment.  This revealed that the main damage was to our telephone system and to the external 999 emergency phone both of which were no longer working.  Our internal electrical system was unaffected.  The watch continued as normal and Swansea Coastguard was informed by mobile phone.