Heat-Seeking Drone Rescues Missing Elderly Man in Malibu

A 78-year-old man with dementia was located in freezing temperatures using thermal imaging technology, highlighting the role of drones in search and rescue operations.

The man, reported missing on December 23, was found within 80 minutes of his family alerting authorities in Malibu, California.
Using a drone equipped with infrared thermal imaging, search teams identified the man lying in thick brush about a quarter-mile from his home.
Temperatures in the area were dropping into the 40s, adding urgency to the rescue as the man was suffering from cold-related illness and confusion.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department praised the operation as a 'holiday miracle' and emphasized the importance of technology and teamwork in locating vulnerable individuals.
The man was transported to a local hospital for treatment, with no updates on his condition yet released by officials.