Importance Score: 75 / 100 🔴
Florida Man Hailed a Hero After Drone Rescue
A Florida man with a penchant for shark fishing is being lauded as a “true hero” after he successfully deployed his drone to save a teenage girl from drowning in a treacherous rip current. His quick thinking and innovative use of technology averted a potential tragedy at Pensacola Beach.
Unexpected Heroism on Pensacola Beach
Andrew Smith’s act of valor unfolded on May 15th. After leaving his job, Smith made an impromptu decision to visit Pensacola Beach for some fishing.
Barely ten minutes after arriving, he and a friend were approached by a frantic girl desperately seeking someone who could swim. Tragically, Smith’s seizure disorder prevented him from entering the water. The girl’s friend was rapidly being pulled offshore by a dangerous rip current.
“She was running and screaming, and nobody [else out there] could swim,” Smith recounted.
Drone to the Rescue: A Lifesaving Idea
Spotting his drone, Smith conceived a daring plan. He realized he could use the drone to carry a flotation device to the struggling girl, who had already been battling the current for approximately five minutes and was quickly losing strength.
“The drone can swim [even if] I can’t,” he thought.
Initial Setback and Ultimate Success
Smith’s first attempt was hampered by strong winds, causing him to release the flotation device prematurely. This near-miss left him visibly shaken.
“I was shaking pretty badly,” Smith admitted. “It was nerve wracking – I almost cried.”
Composing himself, he secured another flotation device from a nearby observer and carefully attached it to the drone. This time, he flew the drone out and lowered the device with greater caution, aware that this was likely their last opportunity.
Smith watched as the girl reached for the flotation device. He lowered the drone slightly further and released the device.
“She climbed on and started floating,” Smith narrated.
Recognition and Gratitude
Emergency responders arrived approximately five minutes later. Paramedics, police officers, and lifeguards on the scene informed Smith that the girl “Wouldn’t have made it” if the drone rescue had failed.
Following a medical evaluation, she was given a clean bill of health.
A bystander, Robert Nay, captured the rescue on video, expressing that he had “never seen anything like that” and noted how quickly the girl was losing her strength. He praised Smith as “a true hero.”
Drone Fishing and Fort Pickens Concerns
Smith explained that his drone is typically used to position bait while shark fishing. Due to his medical condition, using a kayak for bait placement is unsafe.
He also noted that a similar emergency near Fort Pickens might have had a different outcome, as it is a no-fly zone for drones.
Warning About Beach Safety
Smith stressed the importance of heeding beach warning flags that alert the public to dangerous water conditions. On the day of the rescue, a red flag, indicating hazardous conditions, was in place due to a strong current.
Lifeguards were scheduled to begin patrolling the beach after Memorial Day.
“Guardian Angel”
Smith recalled that the girl’s father, in a heartfelt five-minute conversation, described him as a “Guardian angel.”
“He … called me his guardian angel,” Smith said. “It was pretty crazy.”