A serene sightseeing tour turned into a moment of terror on Sunday as two tourists were injured during a sudden lightning storm on Keelung Islet, a small volcanic island off Taiwan’s northern coast. The incident has prompted renewed calls for improved weather safety protocols and real-time tour suspension systems for small-island excursions.
What Happened: Sudden Weather Shift Catches Tourists Off Guard
The injured individuals, identified as Mr. Chang, a man in his 40s, and Ms. Wen, a woman in her 60s, were part of a family-guided tour to Keelung Islet’s iconic lighthouse. At approximately 2:00 p.m., as the group circled the island, a sudden downpour and intense lightning disrupted the excursion.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing a powerful bolt of lightning and described a wave of electric-like shock among the group, although no direct strike was confirmed. Several tourists fell to the ground, reporting numbness in their limbs, which aligns with symptoms of ground current exposure – a common but less understood phenomenon during nearby lightning strikes.
Nature of Injuries
- Mr. Chang suffered a burn on his left hand—likely from indirect lightning current—and dislocated his right shoulder in a fall.
- Ms. Wen reportedly injured her right elbow, startled and unbalanced by the intense thunder and flash.
Both were reported to be conscious and stable, able to walk unaided. After a short rest period, they were ferried back to Bisha Port Inspection Office aboard a recreational fishing boat, then taken by ambulance to a local hospital for further care.
Broader Context: Lightning Safety on Keelung Islet
According to Keelung City officials, this is the first recorded lightning-related incident on the islet, which is a popular eco-tourism and bird-watching destination known for its rugged beauty and panoramic lighthouse views.
However, this incident sheds light on the increased vulnerability of small island tours during Taiwan’s convective weather season, particularly in May through September, when thunderstorms are frequent due to subtropical humidity and sudden thermal uplifts.
Ground Currents and Indirect Lightning Injuries
While often underreported, ground currents—which radiate outward from a lightning strike—can travel significant distances through wet ground, metal railings, or concrete, causing burns, neurological symptoms, and falls without a direct hit. This may explain the multiple reports of numbness and minor collapses among other tourists in the group.
Real-time Alerts and Tour Suspension Policy
Tsai Fu-ning, director of the Keelung City Department of Economic Affairs, emphasized that future tours will be suspended in real time if Central Weather Administration (CWA) thunderstorm alerts are issued for Keelung.
While the lighthouse is structurally grounded, open-air trails, rocky terrain, and proximity to the coast increase vulnerability. Local officials now plan to coordinate with boat operators and tour agencies to create a stricter response system based on real-time weather radar and thunderstorm alerts.
Tourism and Risk: Striking a Balance
Tourism on Keelung Islet reopened in recent years after earlier closures due to conservation concerns and COVID-19 restrictions. Its reopening came with strict daily visitor limits and designated hiking paths, but the lightning incident now raises questions about:
- Whether evacuation drills or temporary shelter zones should be mandated.
- How weather forecast integration in tourist scheduling can be improved.
- If AI-powered weather prediction tools should be provided to tour guides and boat operators.
✅ Key Takeaways
- Two tourists injured on Keelung Islet during sudden thunderstorm.
- No direct lightning strike confirmed, but likely exposure to ground current.
- Keelung government to enforce tour suspensions during thunderstorm alerts.
- Highlights need for improved weather safety protocols on small offshore islands.
🙋 FAQs
What caused the injuries on Keelung Islet?
The injuries were likely caused by indirect lightning effects, including ground current, which can radiate from nearby strikes and cause burns, numbness, or loss of balance.
Was there a direct lightning strike on the group?
No direct strike was reported. Witnesses saw lightning nearby, and the group experienced physical effects, possibly due to electrical conduction through wet surfaces or rocks.
Are there any previous incidents like this on Keelung Islet?
According to city officials, this is the first lightning-related accident recorded on the islet since it became a tourist destination.
What actions are being taken by local authorities?
The Keelung government plans to enforce real-time tour suspensions based on CWA thunderstorm alerts and is reviewing the island’s safety protocols.
How can future incidents be prevented?
Improving forecast alert systems, providing emergency shelters, and educating tourists and guides about lightning safety can significantly reduce risks.
