Family Rescued After Lightning Strike Knocks Out Yacht Power Near Cape May

Issue #406

July 27, 2025

In This Cape May Local Scoop Issue…

 📆 Cape May Events

☀️ Cape May Local Weather 

‍⛈️ Family Rescued After Lightning Strike Knocks Out Yacht Power Near Cape May

🏖️Proposed Building Rules Threaten Jersey Shore’s Future, Say Local Leaders

 🦈Mira the Shark Approaches Cape May: What We Know About This Endangered Predator

Cape May Local Scoop’s Events Are Sponsored By: Shop Local

👇 Here’s what’s going on in the Cape May Local Area👇  

 July 27

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Family Rescued After Lightning Strike Knocks Out Yacht Power Near Cape May

 A family of four was safely towed into Cape May Harbor on Friday night after their 62-foot sailing yacht lost all power during a lightning storm off the coast. The incident occurred near Brandywine Shoal Lighthouse around 10 p.m., prompting a swift response from Sea Tow Cape May. The yacht, a Lagoon model equipped with a 100-foot mast, was struck by lightning during the storm. Although the two adults and two children aboard the disabled yacht were unharmed, the vessel’s electrical infrastructure sustained severe damage. The powerful electrical surge disabled all onboard systems, including communication and navigation, leaving the vessel adrift in the dark. A nearby companion sailboat traveling with the family issued the emergency call when contact with the yacht was lost. Sea Tow Cape May responded to the rare incident.

Proposed Building Rules Threaten Jersey Shore’s Future, Say Local Leaders

 Governor Phil Murphy’s administration has proposed new coastal regulations that would raise elevation requirements, expand flood hazard zones, and restrict rebuilding in some parts of the Jersey Shore. Critics argue the rules would increase costs, depress property values, and harm local economies, while supporters cite the need to prepare for climate change. Municipalities are mounting opposition as the state reviews the plan. As the public comment period continues, legal and political battles are brewing. Municipalities across the Shore are preparing to challenge the proposal, raising concerns over its economic impact and the potential loss of autonomy in local land-use decisions. For many, the fear is that these regulations, if implemented as written, could reshape the Jersey Shore in ways that are both irreversible and unaffordable.

Mira the Shark Approaches Cape May: What We Know About This Endangered Predator

 A dusky shark named Mira, an endangered species considered potentially dangerous, is currently being tracked in waters off Cape May, New Jersey, as she continues a remarkable journey up the East Coast. Mira was tagged on May 15 near Jacksonville, Florida, by Ocearch, a global marine research organization that monitors shark movements. At nearly 10 feet long and weighing over 320 pounds, Mira is the first dusky shark ever tagged by Ocearch. Since tagging, she has traveled more than 730 miles, recently surfacing about 77 miles off Delaware’s coast and approximately 100 miles from Cape May. Each time Mira surfaces for at least 90 seconds, her tracking device "pings," sending location data to researchers. Dusky sharks are known for their large size, broad snouts, and serrated teeth. While attacks on humans are rare, the species has been involved in some human interactions and is categorized as “potentially dangerous,” particularly when in shallow or near-shore waters. Meanwhile, A massive great white shark, named Contender, is also being tracked. Weighing over 1,650 pounds and measuring nearly 14 feet long, Contender is the largest great white tagged in the Atlantic by Ocearch. He was last pinged about 100 miles off Nantucket, Massachusetts, on July 24. Both are part of Ocearch’s ongoing marine research efforts. You can track Mira and Contender's journeys as well as many other species in the ocean, such as sea turtles, tiger sharks and more, on Ocearch's online tracker. 

Which major event in 1962 significantly impacted Cape May's infrastructure, leading to the construction of a seawall and new promenade?

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Answer to the July 26th Trivia Question

What historic feature can still be seen at Sunset Beach in Cape May, New Jersey?

A) The remains of a World War II bunker
B) A Victorian-era carousel
C) The sunken concrete ship S.S. Atlantus
D) The original Congress Hall hotel

Answer: C) The sunken concrete ship S.S. Atlantus

The S.S. Atlantus, a World War I-era concrete ship, sank off the coast of Cape May in 1926 and its remains are still visible from Sunset Beach. This ship was part of an experimental program to create durable concrete ships, but it met its fate during a storm while being used to create a ferry dock.

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