In a first for island, aquatic drone deployed in rescue of swimmer in Luquillo.

The lifeguard on duty at Watchtower Number 2 at La Monserrate beach in Luquillo, Joanel Figueroa, saw a swimmer struggling and launched Dolphin 3, guiding the aquatic drone to the man, who attached himself to the drone using a rope and was brought ashore without further incident.

By THE STAR STAFF

Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER) Secretary Waldemar Quiles Pérez announced on Monday the historic first rescue of a person in the water using exclusively a Dolphin 3 unmanned marine vehicle, better known as an “aquatic drone.”

“Technology is here to help our rescuers in emergency situations,” Quiles said. “Yesterday, Sunday, one of the lifeguards assigned to the department at La Monserrate beach in Luquillo, using the Dolphin 3 platform, a modern and advanced aquatic drone, carried out the first beach rescue using only a drone. This is a unique moment in rescue efforts in Puerto Rico.”

According to the DNER report, around 4 p.m., lifeguard Joanel Figueroa was at his post in Watchtower Number 2 near the Mar sin Barreras program area at La Monserrate beach. At that moment, he noticed a man swimming toward a buoy marking a designated swimming area, and realized the man was having difficulty returning to shore. Figueroa then launched Dolphin 3, guiding the drone to the man, who attached a rope to the drone and was brought ashore without further incident.

The individual was described as a man around 55 years old and weighing some 170 to 180 pounds. He received first aid and subsequently left the area.

Two weeks ago, the DNER secretary announced the acquisition of seven ‘Dolphin 3 Next Gen Remote Controlled Lifebuoys’ (cost per unit of $8,995) for a total of $62,965. The funds came from the Office of the Navigation Commissioner through Act No. 430 of Dec. 21, 2000, as amended, better known as the “Navigation and Water Safety Act of Puerto Rico.”

“I want to thank our governor, Jenniffer González, for promoting the acquisition of new equipment to safeguard lives and protect the environment,” Quiles said. “I also want to acknowledge the work of our rangers and lifeguards who go out every day to ensure the well-being of others. We will continue to identify alternatives and tools to save lives and preserve natural resources.”