124’ Delta Struck by Lightning in Compass Cay

Last week, a terrible thunderstorm enveloped a busy marina in Compass Cay, Bahamas. Bolts of lightning struck during the storm and affected a number of mega yachts in the area. Many of the yachts’ electrical systems and navigation systems were disabled making it impossible for them to leave the small island under their own power. TowBoatU.S. New River was advised of the situation and promptly sprung to action making plans to tow one of the yachts back to Fort Lauderdale safely. Director of Operations, Kevin Collins, explained, “Towing a disabled 124' Delta and its tender is not a small task and I knew immediately our 96' Richard L. Becker would be the perfect asset to take on the long distance tow. Her powerful twin Detroit Diesel main engines coupled with her 5,000 mile range raised no question as to which vessel from our fleet should be dispatched. Our crew routinely completes long distance towing operations like this one without the need to stop for fuel, provisions or lodging allowing us to provide prompt service to our customers.

The Richard L. Becker crew left Port Everglades and steamed towards Compass Cay early Friday morning. Once they arrived in Compass Cay, a local tower escorted the casualty to deeper water at high tide due to the draft of the yacht. The Richard L. Becker crew prepared and secured two towing bridles and a large hawser and prepared the 124' Delta for its long voyage home. The weather conditions were outstanding and the seas were calm allowing an average towing speed just shy of 7 knots for the entirety of the tow.

When they arrived at the Port Everglades Turning Basin, TowBoatU.S. New River's yacht towing specialists were standing by to complete the shallow water portion of the tow with two of their small but powerful twin diesel tugs. Captain Kevin Collins stated, “The transfer from the Richard L. Becker to our specialized yacht towing boats was necessary so the yacht could be maneuvered through the inland waterways and docked safely.” During the transfer, one of the crew members from the 124’ Delta boarded the tender and took it to the homeowner’s dock under its own power. TowBoatU.S. New River followed the tender with the 124’ Delta in tow. The yacht and its tender were safely moored and the crew was happy to be home.

TowBoatU.S. New River's capabilities are not restricted to the local waterways. Their experienced crew also understands a yacht's needs while cruising long distances. Contact their yacht towing specialists at 954-292-0948 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to find a cost effective solution should the need arise.