Drone Enthusiast Turns Lifesaver at Moriches Inlet

In an extraordinary twist of fate, what started as a leisurely day aiming to capture the serene beauty of seals turned into a daring rescue mission at Moriches Inlet. Mike Busch, a drone photographer, found himself at the center of a life-saving operation, showcasing how quick thinking and modern technology can converge to avert disaster, reports The Long Island Press.

From Seals to SOS: A Shift in Focus

Busch had set out on February 25 with the simple plan of taking his dogs for a beach day and deploying his drone in hopes of spotting some seals. Little did he know, his attention would soon shift from the marine mammals to a more pressing concern. Spying two kayakers navigating the challenging conditions of the inlet, Busch initially dismissed the potential danger, assuming they were adept at handling the situation. However, the normalcy of the day took a sharp turn when one of the kayakers approached Busch, inquiring if he had seen his friend.

A Drone’s View: The Key to Rescue

Upon zooming out with his drone, Busch witnessed a harrowing scene: one of the kayakers had capsized and was being dragged out to sea by the outgoing tide. Without hesitation, he called 911 and positioned his drone above the distressed kayaker, providing a crucial visual link to the rescue teams. This quick action kept the kayaker within sight, guiding the Suffolk County Police Department helicopter and the Moriches Bay Marine Task Force to his location.

A Community Effort: The Rescue Operation

The rescue operation saw various local entities coming together in a race against time. The Eastport Fire Department detailed the orchestration of the rescue on social media, highlighting the coordination led by Westhampton Beach Chief Darryl Schunk and the swift actions of the Eastport Fire Department vessel crew. The victim was pulled from the water, suffering from hypothermia but alive, thanks to the collective effort and the use of a dry suit that proved critical in his survival.

A Reminder of the Unexpected

The kayaker was airlifted to Stony Brook Hospital and is expected to recover fully, a testament to the effectiveness of the rescue operation and the serendipitous presence of Busch and his drone. This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of life and the vital role that technology and community can play in safeguarding it. Busch modestly credited the first responders, but his initial action of flying the drone over the kayaker was undoubtedly the linchpin in this dramatic rescue story.

Photo courtesy of The Long Island Press.