A search is underway at a Florida lake for a missing student after a lightning strike capsized a rowing team’s boat Thursday afternoon. Five North Orlando Rowing Club students were practicing on Lake Fairview in Orlando around 5:50 p.m. when lightning struck the area, according to city spokeswoman Jennifer DeSantis. One student was lost during the incident and another was taken to AdventHealth Orlando in unknown condition. The conditions of the other three students were not immediately released. Authorities also did not specify their ages. First responders continue to search for a missing paddler on Lake Fairview in Orlando after a lightning strike Thursday afternoon. (Deborah Choe/Fox 35) Around 1:40 a.m. on Friday, Orlando Fire Department dive teams were reportedly wrapping up for the night as Seminole County dive crews took over the search using sonar technology, Fox 35 reported. LIGHTNING SAFETY – WHAT TO DO, HOW TO KEEP SAFE Fox 35’s Deborah Choe reported early Friday morning that first responders would not say whether they were conducting a rescue or recovery operation. At a news conference at the scene, Orlando Fire Deputy Chief Ian Davis said there are multiple currents that “have the ability to move the victim.” Davis added that crews are moving back and forth to make sure they don’t miss anything. Although the rowers have not been identified, the group’s Facebook page describes the club as serving boys and girls ages 12 to 18. An Orlando police officer talks with women near Fairview Lake as crews search for a paddler missing after a lightning strike on September 15, 2022. (WOFL) The club’s posted schedule showed the Middle School and JV/Varsity teams were out on the lake practicing at the time of the strike. FLORIDA DEPUTY DEPUTY FIND BODY IN LAKE NEXT TO HOOTERS RESTAURANT An Orlando police officer walks toward a firefighter as first responders search for a paddler who went missing after lightning struck Lake Fairview. (WOFL) The South Orlando Rowing Association released the following statement on Facebook late Thursday night as the search for the missing rower continued: “Our hearts go out to our friends at North Orlando Rowing. Geronimo and his entire team are true friends of our club and we ask all rowers, parents and anyone else who sees this post to keep them in their thoughts .” CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Authorities believe the five students were from various schools in central Florida.
