Tech

Two Hikers rescued after using Apple’s Emergency SOS Via Satellite feature in New Zealand

When the Apple Emergency SOS via Satellite feature launched in Australia and New Zealand back in May of this year, unfortunately we knew it wouldn’t be long before it was used in real-life emergencies – and that’s a good thing. This week, two hikers in New Zealand found out just how powerful it is.

The pair were hiking in the Arthurs Pass, an area on the South Island of New Zealand just Northwest of Christchurch.

What they were unprepared for were the rising waters of the river, which took the crossing to an unsafe level and left them stranded and concerned.

With no mobile coverage, they were unable to contact anyone directly, but thanks to the Apple Emergency SOS via Satellite system, they were able to notify emergency services of their exact location.

A Westpac rescue helicopter was dispatched by the West Coast Air Rescue Trust and went to search for the hikers.

Rescuers were equipped with their exact location and were able to lift them to safety.

Emergency SOS via Satellite only works on iPhone 14 (and later), but could easily save your life.

Trevor Long

Trev is a Technology Commentator, Dad, Speaker and Rev Head. He produces and hosts two popular podcasts, EFTM and Two Blokes Talking Tech. He also appears on over 50 radio stations across Australia weekly, and is the resident Tech Expert on Channel 9’s Today Show each day and appears regularly on A Current Affair. Father of three, he is often found down in his Man Cave. Like this post? Buy Trev a drink!

Recent Posts

  • Lifestyle

Podcast: Ransom – The Best Movies You’ve Never Seen

Mel Gibson stars as the wealthy businessman with everything, including his wife, played by Rene…

1 hour ago
  • Motoring

Road test: 2024 Toyota Prado Kakadu: Farewelling a family favourite 4WD

What is it:  This is the top-of-the-range Toyota Prado Kakadu with a refrigerated centre console…

5 hours ago
  • Motoring

Electric car prices slashed in Australia as demand eases

Buyers can save between $8000 and $20,000 on Nissan, Peugeot and BYD electric cars –…

19 hours ago
  • Motoring

Road test: 2024 Subaru Solterra, all-wheel drive twin to Toyota BZ4X electric car

What is it:  This is Subaru’s version of the Toyota BZ4X electric car. The two…

1 day ago
  • Motoring

NSW to activate seatbelt detection on mobile phone cameras from 1 July 2024

NSW will join Queensland by activating seatbelt-spotting technology on mobile phone detection cameras from 1…

2 days ago
  • Tech

Podcast: Apple’s new iPads break cover – Two Blokes Talking Tech #632

Optus has a new CEO - rest assured we'll get to that today folk after…

2 days ago