Lightening/Thunder at Sea

[Guest]

Been struck by lightening a few times and at most it will blow out the radios and radar since the vessel is not grounded.

[vinkandy]

My wife asked me tonight what happens when a ship is at sea during a thunderstorm. I would assume the ship can occasionally be struck by lightening. Is there precautions to be taken? Does the energy from the lightening ground out into the sea or can it run a charge thru the vessel causing danger to the crew?