Photo: Hiroshi Watanabe / Stone / Getty Images
Pensacola Beach, FL - A teenager struggling in rough waters off Pensacola Beach was rescued after a fisherman used his drone to fly out a flotation device, offering a lifeline until emergency crews arrived.
The incident took place near Fort Pickens on May 15th, during red flag conditions that signal dangerous surf and strong rip currents.
Three girls had entered the water when one of them began to be pulled out by a rip current and started panicking.
According to eyewitness Robert Nay, who recorded the rescue on his phone, a nearby fisherman quickly jumped into action.
That man, identified as Andrew Smith, was setting up for a shark fishing session when the emergency unfolded.
Smith, who reportedly uses a drone for fishing due to a medical condition that prevents him from swimming, said he realized he couldn’t reach the girl directly.
Instead, he attached a flotation device to his drone and flew it out over the waves.
Smith’s first attempt to drop the device was unsuccessful due to high winds.
However, he quickly tried again with a second float and successfully dropped it close enough for the teen to grab onto and stay afloat until first responders arrived a few minutes later.
Officials have not identified the girl, who was safely brought to shore by emergency crews.
Smith’s quick thinking and use of technology have drawn praise from beachgoers and officials alike.
The incident has prompted local authorities to explore incorporating drone rescues into their beach safety protocols.