I was wondering if anybody can help…Off Dewees Island (south side) there is a finger creek that I took my boat down (2005) and my buddy and I were nearly killed by a High Voltage line (12kva?)that arc’d to my aluminum outrigger poles attached to my t-top. It blew up my electronic box and caught on fire in t-top and set it on fire. It managed to burn through copper wire to my battery in the process. Luckily I was not touching the aluminum t-top at the time or I might not be writing this today.
I contacted the Dewees Fire Department and notified them but never heard back. The high voltage line services the Ferry Station from the main overhead line that crosses the inlet. This line does not appear to meet codes for high voltage lines.
Recently I heard this happened to another boater (Fried his VHS radio when hit his zapped his antenna).
I have spent several hours doing web searches and written several emails with no response from anyone.
Man you were very lucky. If someone were to be killed you bet it would get attention. I sure hope it doesn’t come to that! Good on you for taking action on it and glad you weren’t hurt.
find out who the provider is and pass them a bill for what ever the damage was im not sure what the code is for over water but i know in a residential circumstance it has to be at least 12 feet of the ground at any point. if it is going to something private then there might be some grounds for a lawsuit, but i feel sure that if it is the power companys fault they will take care of the bill no problem
Coast Guard: Left message to Commanding Officer Charleston Sector, no reply 3 days going.
Berkeley Electric Coop does not cover Dewee’s but is directed me to SCE&G power and gas. I spoke to the SCE&G’s safety officer and they seemed very cooperative and would look into the matter immediately.
Beware this line could be 115kv according to SCE&G which is almost as bad as being struck by lightning when hit. note: Typical Tower Height: 55-80 feet. I would venture to say on a high tide the line going to the Ferry Station looks morelike 40 feet or less.
My dad hit a three phase powerline launching a sailboat at Bell Buoy on Edisto 40 years ago and spent 6 months in MUSC burn center. They are nothing to mess with.
Arch - you’re mentioned by screen name in an article in todays P&C (12-27-10) about the power line. Peterson said he read your report on cf.com. Way to bring some attention to the problem. Sounds like SCE&G is going to move the line.
