Cave diver, Marc Laukien, was diving Madison Blue Cave system in Florida when we was electrocuted underwater. He was able to complete his dive and make it to the surface where they exited the water and were told by bystanders that there were several lighting strikes during the time period they were diving.
…I was diving Madison Blue, together with John K. (jkaterenchuk). We first did the short traverse to Martz sink, and then started the Godzilla circuit.
When I placed the jump for the circuit, I suddenly felt a strong electric shock through my right arm. I was touching the cave wall with my right hand at this time. I was a little bit disoriented for a few seconds, and didn’t really know if I imagined what just happened, or if it was for real. In any case, it was definitely a very “refreshing” experience, to put it mildly.
We completed the circuit without any further incidents. When we reached the basin, it became clear to me what happened: there was a huge thunderstorm above us. Staying in the water during such a thunderstorm wasn’t a good idea, and neither was getting out really, given that we had lots of metal on our backs. Since the thunderstorm could last a long time (and it did), we got out of the water, and after dropping our gear, we made a run for the bathhouse, where other divers and the park warden already took shelter.
Once we arrived there, the others told us, that they had seen several lighting strikes very close to where the Godzilla room must be located. One of these lighting strikes must have made its way through the cave wall and my right arm.
Crazy, I guess it’s another lesson for all of us to respect mother nature. You can read the rest of the account here and the subsequent discussion.
May 18th, 2008 at 10:44 am
So…. wouldn’t all water animals be electrocuted any time lightening hits the water? I had never thought about this, but how do they survive?