Lightning strikes Frying Pan Shoals Light Station during restoration work
SOUTHPORT, N.C. (WWAY) — The Frying Pan Shoals Light Station lived up to its name this weekend as multiple lightning strikes hit the historic structure while crews were working on renovations.
The light station sits about 30 miles off the coast of Southport in the Atlantic Ocean. Dr. Craig McCotter, co-owner of the station, said crews were working on the structure when several thunderstorms moved through the area.
“We’re 32 miles in the Atlantic Ocean. We have no help. There is no rescue that can get to us easily,” McCotter said.
Video captured one of the lightning strikes hitting the station, but McCotter said the structure was struck multiple times.
“The tower got hit multiple times. Each time it would hit the tower, we would have more and more electronics blow up,” McCotter said.
The thunderstorms lasted as long as six hours, with more than 1,000 lightning strikes recorded near the station Sunday morning.
McCotter said being inside the station during the strikes overwhelmed the senses.
“You could smell it, you could taste it in your mouth, you temporarily lit blind just from the electrical current that was seizing off that pole, and you could hear the sizzle,” he said.
Despite the intensity of the strikes, McCotter said the station’s steel structure helped protect the people inside by acting like a Faraday cage, which allows electrical current to travel around the exterior of a structure rather than through what is inside.
While the people on board were safe, some of the station’s equipment did not fare as well. Communication systems, satellite equipment and the marine radio were knocked offline.
McCotter’s helicopter escaped serious damage.
“We did a full inspection of the helicopter. And, uh, it was able to be flight… flight worthy,” McCotter said.
McCotter and his helicopter were previously featured in “Air Angels: Flight Helene,” which documented his efforts to rescue people following Hurricane Helene.
He is now focused on preserving the Frying Pan Shoals Light Station.
“All we’re trying to do is save this historic structure. It is the last of… there’s one… there were seven light stations built. There’s only three that are remaining. Of the three that are remaining, this is the only one that visitors can go to,” McCotter said.
McCotter said crews have already completed interior work at the station. Renovations also include efforts to make the drinking water safe, install solar panels and add safety equipment for visitors.
