The operator and a passenger were on board Vessel 1, which was adrift.  The operator was standing on the front deck and the passenger on the back deck.  The operator noticed severe weather approaching and lightning in the area.  He then told the passenger that they should get out of the area.  Lightning then struck the operator on the top of the head, traveling through his body, and exiting the left thigh.  It then traveled into the trolling motor and through the remaining of the electrical system causing damage to several electrical components on board.  The operator and the passenger were both rendered unconscious.  The passenger of the vessel awoke and then woke the operator.  A nearby boater transported them back to the landing, and an ambulance transported them to the hospital.  The operator sustained burns on various locations on his body.  The passenger, who had a pacemaker, was kept in the hospital for observation.

Alcohol was not involved and PFDs were not used.  There are no pending charges in the incident.
DES ALLEMANDS                 