Drone manufacturer Tekever has confirmed the successful deployment of a lifeboat from its AR5 drone as part of a search and rescue exercise conducted by the Italian Coast Guard. The Portuguese company, which specialises in unmanned aerial systems, has been working in partnership with the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA).

Sensors onboard the drone can detect vessels or humans on the water, using optical and infrared cameras, a maritime radar, an AIS receiver and an emergency position-indicating radio beacon antenna. The drone’s AI then calculates the optimal time to release the lifeboat close to the vessel or person in distress without human intervention, enabling the lifeboat to be deployed at a close enough, but safe, distance. The system automatically considers weather conditions and flight plan restrictions. The deployable lifeboat is said to take up to eight people.

The aim is to improve maritime safety and reduce the 2,500 marine casualties and incidents EU member states report annually (EMSA, October 2023).

Tekever is already involved with maritime surveillance solutions and has been providing EMSA with drones as a service since 2016. The company says it has proven its efficiency with nearly 2,000 hours of flights and nearly 300 missions in Portugal, Italy, Spain, France, and the United Kingdom.

“This successful demonstration by one of the leading maritime safety agencies is a fantastic endorsement of Tekever’s cutting-edge technology,” says CEO Ricardo Mendes. “We look forward to continuing this partnership with EMSA to improve the surveillance of European waters and ultimately save lives.”

Drones have been seen flying over the UK’s first ‘drone-friendly’ harbour in Falmouth as part of ship-to-shore flight trials carried out by Open Skies Cornwall. The flights are testing Falmouth Harbour’s ground infrastructure, flying capabilities and airspace for future maritime-focused drone activities, such as delivering emergency medical, food bunkering or maintenance supplies.

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