Indian-American engineer's drone boat powers first US sea rescue

An unmanned surface vessel developed by an Indian-American engineer carried out the first sea rescue in the United States, authorities said. The drone boat, designed by the engineer, was deployed to save a person in distress off the coast.

The rescue marked a milestone for autonomous maritime technology, demonstrating the vessel's ability to operate in real-world emergency scenarios. The drone boat was remotely controlled and equipped with sensors to locate and reach the individual.

The engineer, who has a background in robotics and marine systems, developed the drone boat as a cost-effective alternative to traditional rescue craft. The vessel can navigate rough waters and perform search-and-rescue missions without risking human lives.

Coast Guard officials praised the operation, noting that the drone boat's speed and precision contributed to the successful rescue. The incident is expected to accelerate the adoption of unmanned systems in maritime safety operations.