Apple’s Emergency SOS system is credited with saving a family from the deadly wildfires that swept across Maui.
Michael Miraflor claims that while trying to flee the Hawaiian island, his relatives were caught in their vehicle as the fire began to engulf them.
Five of his loved ones were in a white van but were unable to call for help after cell phone towers went down – leaving thousands unable to contact emergency services or their loved ones.
Residents even lost access to the 911 number. Hawaii Gov. Sylvia Like confirmed that phone service was down and hospitals were overcrowded.
But even though there was no cell service, the family was able to contact emergency services through Apple’s satellite system.
Available on all models of the iPhone 14, the feature means the phones can connect directly to a satellite through a combination of bespoke components and deeply integrated software.
Michael Miraflor claims his relatives were caught in their vehicle trying to flee Maui as the fire began to engulf them
Five of his loved ones were in a white van but were unable to call for help after cell phone towers went down – leaving thousands unable to contact emergency services or their loved ones
In a tweet, Miraflor said, “My brother’s girlfriend’s cousin and his family were caught in their vehicle in Maui when wildfires suddenly broke out all around them.”
“No cell service, so Apple Emergency SOS was the only way to contact first responders.” Literally saved their lives.’
Screenshots of the exchange show the family was able to provide their location and a description of the vehicle, saying there was “fire everywhere”.
They could send an exact location and say that every building around them was on fire.
Rescuers then alerted firefighters to take someone to their location after being told they would not be able to reach the sea and “visibility was zero”.
It took 32 minutes for the situation to be resolved. Emergency crews located the car after turning on the hazard lights and were evacuated from the area.
Her location and the conversation were also shared with listed emergency contacts to keep them updated on the situation.
Contacts who have a non-Apple device or working iPhone running iOS 16.1 or later have received a message informing them of the emergency.
Horrifying footage from a plane landing on Maui shows the extent of the fires that continue to ravage the tiny island
Aerial photos show the utter devastation of Lahaina after wildfires devastated the small town
Hundreds of residents are still missing after the fire that swept through the small town after it broke out on August 8
If an emergency number is contacted but a connection cannot be established, a satellite connection will be offered with a message option displayed.
Emergency SOS via satellite is free for two years after activation of the iPhone 14 or iPhone 14 Pro.
The satellite builds on existing features important to iPhone users, including emergency SOS, medical ID, emergency contacts and Find My Location sharing.
This allows emergency call centers (Public Safety Answering Points) or emergency call centers to connect with even more users in emergency situations.
No additional software or protocols are required for communication, and users are connected directly to emergency services equipped to receive text messages.
Alternatively, they are connected to relay centers with Apple-trained emergency specialists who are ready to contact PSAPs that cannot receive text messages on behalf of the user.
President Biden has also declared a major disaster in Maui County and ordered federal aid to help state and local recovery efforts.
President Joe Biden has declared a severe state of emergency in Hawaii, allowing residents and businesses access to federal funds
State officials are working with hotels and airlines to try to evacuate thousands of tourists to another island
The Hawaii Department of Transportation confirmed that Maui’s Kahului Airport is open and thousands are stranded there trying to flee the island
Authorities confirmed that at least 36 people were killed in the wildfires. Locals fear the death toll will continue to rise and warn it is a “mass casualty event”.
Hundreds of people are still missing on the island. Concerned relatives are posting on social media trying to track her down.
Family members have been urged to contact the Red Cross and local hospitals to determine the whereabouts of their loved ones after communication lines were cut due to the extent of the destruction from the fire.
Firefighters and emergency services on Maui are stunned by the scale of the fire in the historic town of Lahaina – where 800 acres of land and 271 buildings were “decimated.”
State officials are working with hotels and airlines to try to evacuate thousands of tourists to another island.
The Hawaii Department of Transportation confirmed that Maui’s Kahului Airport is open and thousands are stranded there trying to flee the island.