iPhone satellite features helped Lake Tahoe avalanche survivors get rescued

Source: 9to5Mac

According to a report from The New York Times, survivors of the catastrophic avalanche near Lake Tahoe this week used Emergency SOS via satellite on iPhone to stay in contact with first responders. It’s the latest example of the life‑saving impact of Apple’s Emergency SOS and satellite features on iPhone and Apple Watch.

Emergency SOS via Satellite on iPhone and Apple Watch

Don O’Keefe, Chief of Law Enforcement for the California Office of Emergency Services, says that the six survivors of the avalanche used Emergency SOS via satellite to stay in touch with the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office.

“One of my personnel was communicating with one of the guides over a four‑hour period, giving information back to the Nevada sheriff’s office and coordinating what rescues could be permitted,” O’Keefe told the press on Wednesday.

The skiers were part of a 15‑person group on a multi‑day trip through the Sierra Nevada mountains. While six survived, eight were killed. One person is still missing and presumed dead, according to CNN.

Emergency SOS via satellite is supported on iPhone 14 or later, as well as the Apple Watch Ultra 3. The feature activates when a user lacks cellular or Wi‑Fi connectivity and attempts to contact emergency services. The user is then presented with a questionnaire that gathers information about the emergency, and the device guides them on how to point the iPhone or Apple Watch to connect to a satellite. The feature is free for two years after activation of an iPhone 14 or later or Apple Watch Ultra 3.

Satellite connectivity on iPhone and Apple Watch can also be used to send iMessages and SMS messages, as well as to share location via Find My.

Notable rescue examples

• Apple’s satellite SOS helps rescue injured climber in Colorado
• iPhone’s emergency satellite features lead authorities to group of stranded hikers for 24‑hour rescue operation
• First responders praise iPhone’s ‘live saving’ satellite texting feature
• Family rescued in Maui thanks to iPhone’s satellite feature
• iPhone 14’s Emergency SOS via Satellite saves the day for Utah college kids trapped in a 500‑foot deep canyon

Apple provides a detailed support document on how to use satellite connectivity features on iPhone and Apple Watch: . It’s worth reading and trying the demo feature in the Settings app—you never know when you might need it.