Florida fishermen return to shore after St Elmo’s fire signals storm
A group of Florida fishermen experienced St Elmo's fire – a rare electrical phenomenon involving plasma discharge – whilst 50 miles offshore near Bradenton. The glowing blue plasma formed around their vessel 30 minutes into their journey when an unexpected electrical shock struck one crew member, prompting them to return to shore immediately. Though the phenomenon itself is harmless, it served as a clear warning of an imminent severe lightning storm, which could have posed genuine danger to the boat and its occupants.
The five fishermen aboard the white Halo 28 vessel were maintaining over 20 miles distance from an approaching storm when the incident occurred. They heard mysterious clicking and ticking sounds as blue plasma arcs appeared between metal components on the boat. Upon learning the science behind St Elmo's fire – a weather phenomenon caused by electrical charge gaps that ionise air – Gilligan shared footage on Instagram that garnered over 6 million views, with many viewers finding humour in their swift decision to return to port at 30 mph.
- Fishermen encountered St Elmo's fire, a rare electrical plasma phenomenon, 50 miles offshore.
- Blue glow and clicking warned of dangerous lightning storm nearby.
- Video of their escape garnered 6 million views on Instagram.
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St Elmo's fire is a rare natural phenomenon where electrical charge in the atmosphere creates a glowing plasma around objects, typically occurring near thunderstorms. Five fishermen off Bradenton, Florida experienced this when blue plasma appeared around metal parts of their boat whilst they were approximately 20 miles from an approaching storm. Though the glow itself is harmless, it typically signals that dangerous lightning and severe weather are imminent.
The crew heard clicking and ticking sounds as the plasma formed, and one crew member received an electrical shock from the discharge. Recognising this as a warning of approaching danger, they immediately turned their boat around and returned to shore at 30 miles per hour. The incident demonstrates how natural phenomena can provide early warning of severe weather at sea, allowing those who recognise the signs to take action before conditions become hazardous.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Terror aboard boat after vessel began generating dangerous St Elmo’s Fire 50 miles offshore”.