July 15, 2025

Charleston Fisherman Faces Financial Hardship After Lightning Strike

News Summary

Mark Marhefka, a prominent fisherman and owner of Abundant Seafood in Charleston, is facing financial challenges after a lightning strike severely damaged his boat, the Amy Marie. The incident occurred during a fishing trip and has left the vessel in need of costly repairs. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support Marhefka in covering repair costs and crew wages during this difficult time, highlighting the importance of community support amidst unforeseen challenges.

Charleston – Mark Marhefka, the owner of Abundant Seafood and a renowned fisherman in the Lowcountry, is facing significant financial hardships following a lightning strike that damaged his boat, the Amy Marie. The incident occurred on June 28 while Marhefka and his crew were fishing 50 miles offshore. Thankfully, all crew members returned safely, but the lightning strike caused extensive damage to crucial electronic and navigation equipment aboard the vessel.

With the Amy Marie now in a local shipyard for repairs, Marhefka has expressed concerns over the high costs associated with the repairs and the loss of income incurred while the boat is out of service. He has stated that this incident has proven to be financially devastating, with the storm damaging equipment essential for the boat’s operation, including the bilge pump, switches, breakers, batteries, radar, antenna, and satellite phone. Additionally, costs are mounting from the dry docking of the boat and compensating crew members during this downtime.

To aid in his recovery, Randi Weinstein, founder of FAB, has set up a GoFundMe campaign to help Marhefka with the repair expenses. This initiative was launched after Weinstein mobilized a group of women to support Marhefka’s plight, which has already seen over $67,000 raised as of July 14, nearing its goal of $75,000. Chef Mike Lata, owner of prominent Charleston restaurants FIG and The Ordinary, has also stepped forward to assist Marhefka in securing the essential electronic equipment needed for the boat’s repairs.

Marhefka has been a key player in the Charleston food scene, providing fresh fish to many top local restaurants, including his own sales directly to consumers at Shem Creek, located at 102 Haddrell Street in Charleston. He is recognized not only for his fishery but also for his commitment to sustainable fishing practices, having earned a James Beard Leadership Award in 2020. Marhefka has spent nearly fifty years in commercial fishing, and despite the setback, he remains dedicated to returning to the sea as soon as possible.

As community support pours in, Marhefka has expressed gratitude towards the Charleston community which has been instrumental in helping him navigate this crisis. Community contributions are critical to covering crew wages and ensuring the continuity of operations while the boat undergoes repairs. The GoFundMe fundraiser is set to continue until July 18, aiming to reach its final goal and help Marhefka get back to fishing amid the challenges posed by the recent incident.

The story of Mark Marhefka represents the intersection of community spirit and resilience in the face of unforeseen challenges. As a vital member of the Charleston fishing community, his situation highlights not only the fragility of small businesses but also the importance of local support systems in promoting recovery and sustainability within the industry.

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Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON

The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.