Camcopter Aids Refugees in Mediterranean

Photo courtesy Schiebel.

By Danielle Lucey



Schiebel’s Camcopter S-100 unmanned helicopter is helping save refugees in the Mediterranean Sea as a part of the Migrant Offshore Aid Station operation. 



The unmanned aircraft is helping to identify people that are traveling in makeshift vessels that are attempting to reach European shores. Many refugees die attempting this dangerous road to asylum in Europe. 



The operations are taking place via the Phoenix, a shipborne aid station that houses two six-meter rigid inflatable boats and the Camcopter. Once the unmanned aircraft locates and identifies a boat in distress, it continues to provide imagery through its electro-optical/infrared camera for rescue crews using the boats and a manned helicopter from the Rescue Coordination Centre. 



The Phoenix will conduct three operations in the central Mediterranean between now and October. 



“We are very happy to provide this capability, and our experience for MOAS to help people in need,” says Hans Georg Schiebel, chairman of the Schiebel Group. “With our combined effort, we can save the lives of refugees in the Mediterranean Sea and hopefully raise awareness of the situation of migrants worldwide.”