Drones on the Job: Search and Rescue?

Written by Andre Louis-Ferdinand

Some of you may be aware of the current migrant situation in the Mediterranean. Tens of thousands of refugees are fleeing war-torn countries, such as Syria, and are trying to get to Europe. However, many are not permitted into Europe legally. Therefore, thousands are finding themselves in a desperate and dire situation. So dire in fact, that they try and cross the Mediterranean sea on small unseaworthy boats and rafts with next to zero supplies. The death toll since January 2015 is 30 times higher than the same period last year. Finding and helping these refugees before they drown has become increasingly expensive and difficult. However, one small non-profit organization has asked for help...from digital allies.

MOAS (the Migrant Offshore Aid Station) is a foundation based in Malta. It is dedicated to preventing loss of life at sea by providing assistance to migrants and refugees who find themselves in distress while crossing the Mediterranean Sea in unsafe vessels. Equipped with only a 40 meter expedition vessel, Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPAs), and a highly experienced team of rescuers and paramedics, MOAS is able to locate, monitor, and assist vessels in distress. So far they have saved over 10,000 lives, and this was just their first year.


These RPAs have given MOAS a huge advantage over the other search & rescue ships and have largely contributed to their monumental success. Last year, in just two months, they saved more than 3,000 lives. These RPAs are saving refugees that are escaping violence, persecution, and hardship from places as far off as Eritrea, Somalia, and more recently Syria. Equipped with the right tools and their digital allies, MOAS will continue to save as many lives at possible.


To watch an inspiring short video on their heroic efforts, click HERE.