Apple’s Emergency SOS system has been credited with saving a family from the deadly wildfires raging across Maui.
Michael Miraflor claims his relatives were caught in their vehicle trying to flee the Hawaiian island 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 towers went down, leaving thousands without contact with emergency services or family members.
Residents even lost access to 911 communications, with Hawaii Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Like confirming that phone service was down and hospitals were being overrun.
But despite not having cellular service, the family was able to contact emergency services via Apple’s satellite system.
The feature is available on all models of the iPhone 14 and means the phones can connect directly to a satellite through a combination of specially designed 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 towers collapsed, leaving thousands unable to contact emergency services or relatives
In a tweet, Miraflor said, “My brother’s girlfriend’s cousin and his family were caught in their vehicle in Maui as wildfires erupted suddenly around them.
“No cell service, so Apple Emergency SOS was the only way they could get in touch with first responders. Literally saved their lives.’
Screenshots from the exchange show the family able to provide their location and a description of the vehicle, saying there was “fire everywhere.”
They were able to send an exact location for their location and said every building around them was on fire.
Emergency services then alerted firefighters to get someone to their location, after being told they couldn’t reach the ocean and “visibility is zero.”
It took 32 minutes for the situation to be resolved, with emergency responders locating the car after turning on their hazard lights and evacuating from the area.
Their location and conversation were also shared with their listed emergency contacts to keep them updated on the situation.
Contacts who have a non-Apple device or don’t have a working iPhone with iOS 16.1 or later received a message alerting them to the emergency.
Horrifying footage captured of a plane landing in Maui shows the extent of the fires that continue to ravage the tiny island
Aerial photos show the utter devastation of Lahaina after wildfires burned through the small town
Hundreds of residents are still missing after the fire, which swept through the small town on August 8
Satellite connection is offered when an emergency number is contacted but fails to connect, with a message option appearing.
Satellite Emergency SOS is free for two years after iPhone 14 or iPhone 14 Pro activation.
The satellite builds on existing features vital to iPhone users, including Emergency SOS, Medical ID, emergency contacts, and Find My location sharing.
It allows public safety response points – or emergency service call centers – to connect to even more users in emergency situations.
No additional software or protocols are required to enable 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 response specialists ready to contact emergency centers 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 aid state and local recovery efforts.
President Joe Biden has declared a major emergency in Hawaii, allowing residents and businesses access to federal funding
State officials are working with hotels and airlines to evacuate thousands of tourists to another island
The Hawaii Department of Transportation confirmed Maui’s Kahului Airport is open, with thousands stranded trying to flee the island
Authorities have confirmed that at least 36 people have died in the bushfires, with locals fearing the death toll will continue to rise and warning it is a ‘mass casualty event’.
Hundreds of people are still missing on the island, with concerned family members posting on social media in an attempt to locate them.
Relatives have been urged to contact the Red Cross and local hospitals in an effort to locate their relatives after lines of communication were cut due to the devastation from the fire.
Maui firefighters and emergency services have been overwhelmed by the magnitude of the blaze in the historic city of Lahaina – where 800 acres of land and 271 buildings have been “decimated.”
State officials are working with hotels and airlines to evacuate thousands of tourists to another island.
The Hawaii Department of Transportation confirmed that Maui’s Kahului Airport is open, with thousands of people stranded trying to flee the island.