Drone Used To Find Lost Horseback Riders In Manatee County

BRADENTON, FL — A drone was used earlier this month to find two lost horseback riders in a remote agricultural area of Manatee County.

The sheriff's office released video taken by the drone during the Jan. 19 rescue. The incident took place around 3:30 p.m. in the Edward W. Chance Reserve.

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"Time was of the essence due to sunset quickly approaching," according to a spokesperson for the Manatee County Sheriff's Office. "The Rural Community Policing Unit responded to the scene with a 4WD Mule. In total, the aerial mission lasted approximately 52 minutes."

The horseback riders were identified as 46-year-0ld Jeanna Hannah and 12-year-old Lillian Hannah.

"Once their position was established, the drone led deputies in the Mule to them where the successful rescue was concluded," the spoksperson added. "Deputies led the stranded equestrians to safety."

Video and image courtesy Manatee County Sheriff's Office