St. Eustatius Strengthens Emergency Response with New Drone Capability
ORANJESTAD, St. Eustatius – The Statia Government has expanded the island’s emergency response capabilities with the acquisition of two DJI Matrice drones for search and rescue and disaster response operations.
The drones will provide emergency services with rapid aerial assessments during incidents, allowing responders to locate people, assess damage and identify access routes before deploying personnel. Equipped with thermal imaging technology, they can also assist in locating individuals in darkness or poor visibility.
The purchase followed the participation of a Statia delegation in the Governor’s Hurricane Conference in Florida, where officials explored the use of drone technology in emergency management. The drones were acquired in June 2026.
Three local operators recently completed specialised training in Miami on the safe operation of the drones and the use of DJI Terra software for aerial mapping and 3D modelling.
According to the Statia Government, the new equipment will complement existing emergency response resources and strengthen the island’s preparedness for hurricanes and other emergencies.
