This week's digest covers 12 stories from across the search and rescue world, spanning the period March 27 – April 9, 2026. Highlights include the dramatic combat SAR mission in Iran following the downing of a U.S. F-15E Strike Eagle, multiple Coast Guard rescues at sea, new drone and AI deployments for SAR, and legislation protecting SAR K9s.

U.S. F-15E Downed Over Iran Triggers Historic Combat Search and Rescue Mission

Iran shot down a U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle on April 3, prompting an extraordinary combat search and rescue operation conducted under enemy fire deep inside Iranian territory. By April 5, President Trump announced both crew members had been successfully recovered — calling it "one of the most daring Search and Rescue Operations in U.S. History."

The New York Times · Apr 3, 2026

USCGC Midgett Rescues Family Missing for 7 Days in Western Pacific

The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Midgett located and rescued a family that had been missing for seven days in the Federated States of Micronesia, far out in the western Pacific Ocean. The family was found safe and transferred to local authorities for medical evaluation following the long ordeal at sea.

United States Coast Guard News (.mil) · Apr 7, 2026

Coast Guard and Puerto Rico Police Rescue 3 Federal Agents and 2 Boaters After Capsizing

Joint aircrews from the U.S. Coast Guard and Puerto Rico Police rescued three CBP federal agents and two civilians after two vessels capsized off Isla de Cabras in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico. The dramatic rescue — caught on video — saw rescuers hoisted directly from the water in challenging sea conditions.

United States Coast Guard News (.mil) · Apr 3, 2026

Search and Rescue Underway After Partial Parking Garage Collapse in Philadelphia

Emergency SAR teams were deployed to Philadelphia on April 8 following a partial collapse of a multi-story parking garage, prompting a large-scale urban search and rescue response involving multiple fire and rescue agencies. Crews worked to locate any trapped occupants among the debris while structural engineers assessed the stability of the remaining structure.

FOX 29 Philadelphia · Apr 8, 2026

Cochise County Sheriff Expands Drone Fleet to Cut SAR Response Times

The Cochise County Sheriff's Office in Arizona has expanded its drone program specifically to improve safety monitoring and reduce response times for search and rescue callouts in the county's rugged terrain. The expanded fleet allows aerial coverage of large wilderness areas within minutes of a distress call, giving ground teams critical situational awareness before they deploy.

KGUN9 · Apr 7, 2026

California Sheriff's Office Unveils AI-Powered Unmanned SAR Drone

A California sheriff's office has unveiled what it describes as its first unmanned SAR drone equipped with artificial intelligence, capable of autonomously scanning terrain and identifying persons in distress. The system can operate in low-light and challenging conditions, significantly extending search capability for a department that covers large swaths of backcountry.

Ojai Valley News · Apr 9, 2026

Search and Rescue K9 Protections Signed into Law

New legislation providing formal legal protections for search and rescue K9s has been signed into law, recognizing working SAR dogs as more than mere equipment and establishing penalties for harm caused to them in the line of duty. Advocates called the law a landmark moment for the K9 SAR community, which has long championed legal recognition for its four-legged partners.

DrydenWire.com · Apr 3, 2026

Damen Wins Contract to Build 13 New SAR Vessels for Turkish Coast Guard

Dutch shipbuilder Damen has been awarded a contract to construct 13 purpose-built search and rescue vessels for the Turkish Coast Guard, significantly expanding Turkey's maritime SAR fleet capacity in the Aegean and Mediterranean. The vessels are designed to operate in challenging sea states and will be equipped with modern rescue and communications equipment.

NavalToday.com · Apr 9, 2026

Vermont SAR Teams Respond to Wave of Serious Mountain Incidents

Search and rescue teams across Vermont have been stretched this season by a high volume of serious incidents in the Green Mountains, including multiple technical rescues requiring helicopter support. Responders and officials are urging hikers and backcountry users to carry proper gear and file trip plans ahead of outings.

WPTZ · Apr 2, 2026

UK Government Announces Summer Boost for HM Coastguard SAR Helicopter Fleet

The UK government has announced additional resources for HM Coastguard's search and rescue helicopter service ahead of the busy summer period, when coastal and maritime incidents typically spike. The investment will help ensure coverage across the UK coastline as leisure boating, swimming, and coastal walking seasons ramp up.

GOV.UK · Apr 7, 2026

Killington Community Rallies to Raise Over $24,000 for Local SAR Team

The Killington, Vermont community surpassed its fundraising goal, collecting more than $24,000 to support its local search and rescue team's equipment and training needs. The outpouring of support reflects growing public appreciation for the volunteer rescuers who operate year-round in one of the Northeast's most demanding mountain environments.

Mountain Times · Apr 8, 2026

Baird Maritime Awards 2025: Best SAR Boat Goes to Marine Rescue 30 — The Whiskey Project

Baird Maritime's 2025 awards recognized the Marine Rescue 30 — The Whiskey Project Group — as the best SAR boat of the year, highlighting the vessel's exceptional performance, design, and operational capability. The annual awards celebrate innovation and excellence in maritime rescue equipment, drawing entries from builders and operators worldwide.

Baird Maritime · Mar 31, 2026

📝 Editor's Note: Thanks for reading our second issue of SAR Times! As we move forward, please let us know if there is anything we are missing or not giving enough coverage to. This is a community project, and we want to be sure we are giving you what you want. Reach out at any time. ~r