C.B.P. News Release

A First: CBP Unmanned Aircraft Assists in Search, Rescue

(Thursday, August 20, 2009)

Ajo, Ariz. – A U.S. Customs and Border Protection Predator B Unmanned Aircraft System found three lost illegal aliens in need of rescue.

Border Patrol Agents had apprehended a group of illegal aliens and, based on interviews of the group, learned that three individuals had been left behind earlier in the night. The agents requested UAS assistance with search and rescue operations.

Based on information from the interviews and 911 calls made by the missing persons, the agents were able to provide a search area for the UAS. Less than 10 minutes after arriving on scene, the pilots remotely operating the UAS located three individuals around a camp fire, and observed them set out on foot.

The UAS pilots directed Border Patrol Agents to the three individuals, and the agents confirmed they were the ones left behind.

“The UAS has made significant contributions to border security and disaster recovery operations,â€