Satellites Save 353 People in 2007
NOAA SARSAT Satellite System Credited With Numerous Rescues
Search and rescue satellites are credited with helping save 353 people facing dire emergencies across the United States and it surrounding waters in 2007
The combined use of radio locator beacons and rescue satellites saved 353 people from danger in the United States and bordering waters during 2007. Signals from the radio beacons are transmitted to weather satellites operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) that are equipped to receive the emergency signals. In a press release announcing the system's successes, NOAA representative Mary Kicza says, "Each person rescued was a tragedy averted. This satellite-based rescue program is a key NOAA contribution to protecting American lives."
2007 SARSAT Rescue Recap - The two states that utilized the SARSAT system the most were Alaska and Florida with 73 related rescues apiece. Out of the 353 rescues in 2007, 235 were made at sea, 30 were made for downed aircraft and 88 were individuals saved by personal locator beacons. There were 272 SARSAT rescues recorded in 2006. The NOAA Satellite Operations Center noted some examples of search and rescue (SAR) missions made possible through SARSAT in 2007:
- Four people were rescued from a storm battered boat with no communications on Lake Michigan
- Four people and a dog were rescued from a sinking boat near Kanatak, Alaska
- Three people were rescued from a capsized raft on the Green River in Utah
- Three people were rescued from a sunken boat in 70-foot seas 200 miles off the North Carolina coast
Types of Radio Beacons Available - NOAA's satellites are part of the Search and Rescue Satellite (SARSAT) system. Information received by the SARSAT system is relayed by the NOAA Satellite Operations Center to an US Air Force or US Coast Guard Rescue Coordination Center for prosecution of the case. Position indicating radio beacons available to the public include:
- Emergency Location Transmitter (ELT) - Beacons used to locate downed aircraft
- Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) - An newer entrant to the field, PLBs are small enough to be easily carried by an individual and activated in an emergency
- Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) - These beacons are carried by all types of vessels. They can deploy automatically or activated manually
A Frequency Change for 2009 - Beginning on 1 February 2009, older radio beacons operating on the 121.5 and 243 MHz frequencies will be phased out in favor of 406 MHz beacons that take advantage of global positioning system technology and offer the opportunity for quicker rescues. The newer 406 MHz beacons are registered to their owners, which provides valuable contact information and a description of the ship or boat carrying the radio beacon.
Responsible Use – Use of position indicating radio beacons are a signal of last resort and should only be used after all other possibilities of self help are exhausted. There must be a threat of imminent loss of life, serious injury or property damage requiring assistance to justify using one of these devices. Misuse of a ELT, EPIRB or PLB is a serious federal offense in the United States and is subject to a hefty fine.
