Lifeboat’s drones could be lifesavers

A lifeboat crew is trialling drones for use in sea search and rescue operations in what is thought to be a world first.

The independent lifeboat service at Caister, near Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, has a fleet of drones fitted with lights and cameras, which feed live video footage back to screens on the boat. They launch from the front of the boat and perform an automatic search around it.

It gives the lifeboat crew a better view of the water and can help them find a person quicker.

The technology, donated by insurance company Direct Line, is still being tested and discussions are ongoing with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Drone expert Peter King, of Total UAV, is helping to develop the technology for the Caister team. He said: “Normally you’re at sea level trying to look out from the lifeboat.

“The swell is above the boat so you have to wait until you’re on the crest of a wave and they might be in a trough.

“Using the drones as an eye in the sky is like having multiple coastguard helicopters up there at the same time.”

Paul Garrod, chairman of Caister Lifeboat, added: “In the past, there have been instances where we have been unsuccessful when searching for someone in need of help.

“Improving visibility above and around boats, especially at night, will help us to locate those in danger much faster, meaning more lives could be saved.”