Apple emergency SOS via satellite message feature saves life of a mountaineer stuck at 10,000 ft

A 53-year-old mountaineer was rescued after he managed to use his iPhone's satellite messaging feature to send a distress signal. He was stranded in a remote mountain area with no cellular or Wi-Fi network availability.

In Short

• iPhone’s satellite SOS feature saves life of an injured climber
• He managed to connect with the rescue team using the satellite message feature
• The feature is available for iPhone 14 and new models

Another day, and we have another story of an Apple device saving the life of its user. This time, the incident is about a 53-year-old mountaineer who was stranded at high altitude in the mountains, struggling to move. Yet he was successfully rescued after he managed to send a distress message through the satellite messaging feature on his iPhone.

According to a report by KDVR (via Apple Insider), the climber had summited Snowmass Mountain and begun his descent using a glissading technique — a method of sliding down snow-covered slopes in a controlled manner. During this descent, he suffered a wrist injury that made him unable to continue on foot.

He was stranded, isolated in rugged terrain, and with no Wi-Fi or cellular network to contact emergency services. However, he used his iPhone’s satellite texting capability to message a family member. That family member then notified the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office and Mountain Rescue Aspen.

The rescue authorities received the report, and his message helped him to be located. Following this, a team of 17 trained volunteers from Mountain Rescue Aspen was reportedly dispatched to locate and assist the climber.

Following the incident, the rescue authorities then highlighted the importance of carrying an emergency communication device in remote areas. In this case, Apple’s satellite messaging feature proved critical in the rescue, as it enabled the climber to reach out for help even without cellular service.

Emergency SOS via Satellite feature on iPhone

The Emergency SOS feature, available on iPhone 14 and later models, allows users to send short messages through satellite by pointing their phone towards the sky and following on-screen guidance. The system walks users through a series of questions to quickly relay essential information to emergency responders.

Notably, the technology works by connecting directly to satellites in orbit, bypassing traditional mobile towers. Once the initial message is sent, responders can communicate back and forth to coordinate rescue operations. In this case, the speed and clarity of the satellite-enabled message likely reduced response time and contributed to a successful outcome.

Notably, this feature is only available in selected countries, including the US, UK, Italy, Japan and more. It is not available in India.

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