A retired couple stranded in the Bahamas after their yacht was struck by lightning said they had been "truly astounded" by the support they've received.

Mike Beech, 63, and his wife Helen, 61, from Oulton in Lowestoft, have been moored off a small island near George Town in the Bahamas after an electrical storm hit last month.

They heard an "almighty bang" as a lightning bolt struck the mast of their 38ft yacht, Mistral Dancer, causing around £36,000 of damage.

The lightning strike - which was captured on camera from a distance - destroyed almost all of the boat’s electrical navigation equipment, leaving the couple facing a race against time to make repairs and get on the move before the start of the hurricane season.

Lowestoft Journal: Mike Beech and his wife Helen had been stranded in the Bahamas after a lightning bolt struck their yacht at anchorage. Picture: PA Real LifeMike Beech and his wife Helen had been stranded in the Bahamas after a lightning bolt struck their yacht at anchorage. Picture: PA Real Life (Image: PA Real Life)

Mr and Mrs Beech spent their life savings on buying and renovating the boat, before setting off from Lowestoft on a retirement trip around the world.

But the damage left them fearing their dream voyage might have to come to an abrupt end, with their boat written off.

As they waited to hear back from their insurance company, friend and fellow sailor, Tony Wells, launched a fundraiser online on GoFundMe to help them cover the excess and any extra costs.

Lowestoft Journal: The lightning bolt - which was captured on camera from a distance - has destroyed almost all of the electrical equipment on Mike and Helen Beech's yacht. Picture: PA Real LifeThe lightning bolt - which was captured on camera from a distance - has destroyed almost all of the electrical equipment on Mike and Helen Beech's yacht. Picture: PA Real Life (Image: PA Real Life)

He said: "With over 200 other yachts in the anchorage (that evening) this could have happened to any single one of the cruisers there.

"We were on another boat and feel incredibly lucky to be spared that night, but Mistral Dancer was not so fortunate.

Lowestoft Journal: Damage caused to the electrical equipment on Mike and Helen Beech's yacht. Picture: PA Real LifeDamage caused to the electrical equipment on Mike and Helen Beech's yacht. Picture: PA Real Life (Image: PA Real Life)

"Nearly every onboard circuit was ‘blown up’ by the direct strike - a massive ‘BANG’ - from their engine alternator to their fridge."

With the couple hailing the support of the boating community and friends who have been "extremely helpful and supportive", the online appeal raised £4,079 in just a few days.

And now the Beech's have heard back from the insurers - with enough costs combined with the online appeal to cover repairs, ensuring they can continue their trip.

 

'Hugely grateful'

It means the fundraising appeal has now been switched off.

Mr Wells said: "Together with your help they should be in a position to painstakingly rebuild/replace all of the onboard systems destroyed by the lightning strike."

The couple now plan to "carefully make their way to the Dominican Republic," to carry out repairs and fit emergency navigation systems.

Lowestoft Journal: Mike Beech and his wife Helen had been stranded in the Bahamas, after a lightning bolt destroyed almost all of their boat's electrical equipment. Picture: PA Real LifeMike Beech and his wife Helen had been stranded in the Bahamas, after a lightning bolt destroyed almost all of their boat's electrical equipment. Picture: PA Real Life (Image: PA Real Life)

They thanked "everyone for their support and kindness," adding they were "hugely grateful, truly astounded and overwhelmed" by people's generosity.

Mr Wells added: "Due to your support they are staying positive about the outcome for Mistral Dancer."