Missing Hikers Rescued in Historic Drone Operation
Two men in their 20s were reported missing at 7pm on Tuesday after they failed to reach their rendezvous point while walking the Dead Horse Gap track in Kosciuszko National Park.
This marked the first use of the FRNSW drone's AI detection system for a rescue.
The Rescue
Fire and Rescue NSW deployed a remotely piloted drone equipped with thermal imaging and artificial intelligence, which located the hikers approximately half a kilometer off the track.
The hikers used a red light on a mobile phone to attract the drone in darkness. The drone's built-in speaker enabled communication, and its spotlight guided ground rescuers to the pair.
Outcome
They were rescued within five hours, suffering mild effects of exposure but declining medical treatment.
Critical Perspective
Fire and Rescue Inspector Phillip Eberle stated that the technology reduced search time from potentially several days to a few hours, and decreased risks for rescuers. He noted future possibilities include drone delivery of emergency supplies.
Fire and Rescue commander John Marzol urged hikers to notify National Parks and Wildlife Service and use Personal Locator Beacons.