Two hikers in their 20s were rescued from Kosciuszko National Park within five hours of being reported missing after a drone equipped with artificial intelligence successfully located them. Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) officials confirmed the mission, which took place Tuesday night on the Dead Horse Gap track, marked the first time the FRNSW drone’s AI detection system had been used to rescue missing people.
How the drone technology functioned
The FRNSW remote air piloted system utilized thermal imaging to track the men, who had veered approximately half a kilometre off the walking path. Once the drone identified the pair, its built-in speaker allowed rescuers to communicate with them, while the drone’s spotlight provided guidance to ground teams. The hikers, who were found about 35km south-west of Jindabyne, displayed mild effects of exposure but did not require medical treatment.
Significance for search and rescue operations
According to Phillip Eberle, the Fire and Rescue inspector and regional duty commander for the NSW Alpine area, this technology potentially reduced the search time by several days. Eberle noted that the use of drones significantly lowers the physical risk to rescue volunteers, who can complete their tasks more quickly and return home sooner.
What happens next for alpine safety
Future iterations of this technology may allow for the delivery of emergency supplies and care packages to stranded individuals. Eberle suggested that such capabilities could stabilize hikers overnight, allowing rescuers to wait until daylight hours to safely navigate the terrain for physical extraction. Meanwhile, Fire and Rescue commander John Marzol has urged hikers to prioritize preparation by notifying the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) before beginning treks and utilizing free Personal Locator Beacons to prevent becoming lost.
Frequently Asked Questions
How were the hikers located?
The hikers were found using an FRNSW drone equipped with AI-powered thermal imaging, which spotted them about half a kilometre off the Dead Horse Gap track.
What condition were the hikers in upon discovery?
The two men were suffering from mild effects of exposure but reported that they did not require medical treatment.
What is the recommended protocol for hikers in this area?
Fire and Rescue command advises hikers to notify the National Parks and Wildlife Service before starting their treks and to register for the use of Personal Locator Beacons.
Have you ever had to rely on emergency services while trekking in remote national parks?