A man was arrested on the night of Sunday, October 15, for illegally operating a drone that obstructed the takeoff of a helicopter involved in the rescue of a 13-year-old boy who had drowned in a pool in Guaratuba, Paraná. According to the Military Police, the helicopter had landed on the sand after the area was secured by rescue teams, but the drone began flying close to the helicopter during the operation. Despite instructions to move away, the drone returned to the airspace just as the helicopter was preparing to take off, endangering the safety of the rescue operation.

During the incident, the teenager, who had drowned in a swimming pool, was brought to a lifeguard station for assistance. The drone's operator ignored the established protocols that are critical for safe aerial rescue operations. The Police reported that it took about seven minutes for the helicopter to finally take off, as it had to wait for the drone to clear the vicinity before proceeding with the rescue. This delay not only endangered the life of the drowning victim but also complicated the efforts of the rescue teams on the ground.

This situation highlights the growing concern over illegal drone operations, especially in emergency situations where coordination and safety are paramount. Authorities emphasize the importance of adhering to regulations regarding drone use to prevent such occurrences that could hinder vital rescue operations. The incident serves as a stern reminder of the potential dangers posed by unregulated drone activities in critical scenarios.