Lightning strikes Volvo 70

by Annabel Merrison on 9 Feb 2006 Ericsson Racing Team shore crew member Tim Dean was working up the mast when lightning struck. More fear than damage luckily.

This wasn’t quite another day in the office for Ericsson Racing Team rig manager Tim Dean. Tim was working on Ericsson’s rig when the mast got struck by lightning.

'It started pouring down with rain in another of those notorious Melbourne squalls,' remembers the team’s technical Director Magnus Olsson.

'But this shower wasn’t quite like the previous ones as there was also lightning.'

Tim immediately called his colleagues for help but it was too late: the mast – and the poor rigger – got hit!

Luckily, Tim is in a good condition. Timo Malinen, the medical coordinator for the Volvo Ocean Race, was immediately called to check his condition.

'He has been taken to the Prince Alfred Hospital where he will be thoroughly checked up', comments Olsson.

Tim and his shore crew pals were in shock as the incident happened. But laughter very soon replaced fear as Tim proved to be in good health. In a few days, this will be just a memory; one more good story to tell from this eventful race around the world.