Pair Had Become Disoriented, Wandered For Hours Before Being Found

A German couple who became disoriented while hiking in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park in eastern New South Wales in Australia on Sunday were located using a drone operated by local authorities.

The Australian newspaper The Daily Telegraph reports that the 32-year-old man and 24-year-old woman contacted authorities on a cell phone, but paramedics and police found it difficult to determine their exact location.

The water police launched a Phantom 3 Pro drone at about 8:15 p.m. local time. As the aircraft flew over the area, the couple saw its position lights, and shined a flashlight at the aircraft. That allowed first responders to locate the couple, and escort them out of the bush.

The water police often use the aircraft to check to be sure local fishermen on are wearing life jackets, but this was the first time it had been used for Search and Rescue operations.

The couple admitted to rescuers that they had "underestimated the harsh Australian bushland." They were treated for mild dehydration and a few superficial scratches and sent on their way.

(Image from file)

FMI: www.facebook.com/NSWPoliceMAC