Charter captain airlifted after lightning strike off Islamorada

ISLAMORADA, Fla. — A Florida Keys charter captain was airlifted to a hospital in Miami-Dade County after being struck by lightning Thursday morning, Local 10 News has learned.

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The strike happened at around 6 a.m. off mile marker 81 in Islamorada as the group, headed by Capt. Richard Stanczyk of Stanz Fishing, encountered a rain shower while heading out to fish in the bay with clients, one of whom called for help afterward.

Authorities said the boat became inoperable after the strike and a tow boat brought it to Bud N’ Mary’s Marina, at 79851 Overseas Highway, where medics airlifted Stanczyk, 44, north to HCA Florida Kendall Hospital.

Greg Poland, a fellow South Florida charter captain, spoke to Local 10 News on Thursday. A friend of Stanczyk’s, Poland described him as “a very safe guy” and an experienced captain.

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“It’s not uncommon that there would be a rainstorm and you know sometimes the rain has some lightning in it, but I know he’s a very experienced captain,” Poland said. “I very seriously doubt he was putting him(self) or his party anywhere in harm’s way. But, you know, the weather in South Florida and the tropics ― you know we’re all scared of lightning out there for sure.”

Stanczyk is in serious condition as of Thursday night.

His brother told Local 10 News that his family is at the hospital with him, but declined to give further details on his condition or the incident.

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