Current Date: 18 Apr, 2026
{{entry.title}}

stranded hikers rescued by a life-saving iPhone feature

Stranded hikers were rescued by a life-saving iPhone feature that an awful lot of folks don't know a lot about.

Many of us tune out when Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, and company talk about all the new features that will be included in the newest iPhone each year.

Naturally, we all tune in to some of the more fascinating new features, but most of us will probably be the first to admit that we often overlook the security measures.

But those crucial safety precautions might come in handy after all—just ask the group of travelers who got stuck in the snowy Colorado mountains over the holiday season.

The group’s iPhone’s SOS satellite feature allowed them to contact rescue even though they were stranded in the middle of nowhere with no phone service.

According to a press release that People was able to obtain, at 6:10 p.m. on Monday, the iPhone Satellite Emergency Relay Center sent word to the Gilpin County Dispatch Center.

Stranded hikers rescued by life saving little known i Phone feature 1
The group had no cell phone service. Credit: 4X4 RESCUE

They received word that a Toyota Tacoma was lost in Gilpin County’s mountains, not far from Denver.

Colorado 4×4 Rescue Group and Recovery was called in for assistance by Gilpin County sheriffs at 6:50 p.m., and they were sent to the scene of the stranded vehicle at 8:15 p.m.

When the Colorado 4×4 group discovered the stranded vehicle at 9:40 p.m., everyone was safe and sound despite the cold.

“They’re like, ‘Hey, stuck Tacoma. We don’t know what’s going on. We just know that people are stuck,” Colorado 4×4 Rescue public information officer Kimi McBryde told local outlet KMGH.

“So pro of the iPhone: we found out they needed help. Con, you don’t necessarily get all the information.”

Stranded hikers rescued by life saving little known i Phone feature 2
The stranded group were saved. Credit: 4X4 RESCUE

The search and rescue team ‘weren’t sure how many people were out there’ because there was no cell phone service, but the fact that they were found safely was what mattered most.

The SOS satellite feature is compatible with the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 15, and iPhone 15 Pro, according to Apple Support.

“Emergency SOS via satellite can help you connect with the emergency services under exceptional circumstances when no other means of reaching the emergency services are available,” according to the website.

“Your iPhone attempts to connect you via satellite if you try to call or text emergency services but are unable to do so because you are in an area without cell or Wi-Fi service.

“To connect to a satellite, you need to be outside with a clear view of the sky and horizon. When you use a satellite connection, the experience is different than sending or receiving a message via mobile connection.”

Similar Stories
A subway in Chongqing passes through a building (images)

A subway in Chongqing passes through a building (images)

A train has been constructed through an apartment complex in Chongqing, China. The 19-story residential structure is not only passed by the light rail passenger train, but it also serves as a transit stop. Apartment residents can simply get a ride from the sixth to eighth levels.

ILOVEYOU Virus, the worst computer virus of all time

ILOVEYOU Virus, the worst computer virus of all time

The ILOVEYOU Virus, also known as Love Letter for You or Love Bug, had a high infection rate due to its ability to spread itself by copying entries from users' email address books. It is a virus that was created in 2000 by a college student in Manilla, Philippines, and was recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the worst computer virus of all time, causing more damage than anything before it.

Story of Forrest Fenn and who he hid a bronze chest treasure full of gold and other jewels

Story of Forrest Fenn and who he hid a bronze chest treasure full of gold and other jewels

Forrest Fenn, an art dealer, hid a bronze chest full of gold and other jewels somewhere in the Rocky Mountains ten years ago. In a poem, he hinted at its location. Thousands of people tried and failed to find the treasure, which is said to be worth over a million dollars, and at least four people died in the process. In June 2020, the Fenn treasure was discovered.

China Weather Control on 2008 Olympics with missile

China Weather Control on 2008 Olympics with missile

One thing is certain: when it comes to ensuring nice weather for the world's largest party, the Chinese cannot be accused of being subtle. The Chinese government authorized the use of 1,104 cloud seeding missile launches from 4:00-11:39 p.m. on Friday night to reduce the possibility of rain ahead of the 29th Olympic opening ceremony in Beijing

Water park in japan, ocean dome: Largest indoor water park in the world

Water park in japan, ocean dome: Largest indoor water park in the world

The Seagaia Ocean Dome, located in Miyazaki, Japan, was the biggest indoor waterpark in the world. An "Ocean" six times the size of an Olympic pool, filled with 13,500 tons of unsalted, chlorinated water kept heated at 28 degrees Celsius and recognized as the largest simulated pool by the Guinness Book of World Records, measures 12,000 square meters of the sandy beach made from 600 tons of stone.

Mystery of 300-year-old mummified mermaid is being probed

Mystery of 300-year-old mummified mermaid is being probed

There is a 300-year-old mummified mermaid with 30 centimetres tall and features a human-like head, two hands with what appear to be fingernails, and its lower body that look like a fish tail. The “mermaid mummy” is being probed by Japanese scientists in an attempt to unravel the mystery of its existence.

Abraham Crijnssen – The Ship That Disguised Itself As An Island

Abraham Crijnssen – The Ship That Disguised Itself As An Island

During World War II a Dutch minesweeper evaded the Japanese for eight days disguised as an island. The crew covered the decks in cut trees and painted exposed surfaces to look like rocks. They moved only at night and anchored closed to shore by day, eventually escaping to Australia.

How 'Brad's Drink' Became Pepsi-Cola

How 'Brad's Drink' Became Pepsi-Cola

Pepsi was first introduced as “Brad’s Drink” in New Bern, North Carolina, United States, in 1893 by Caleb Bradham, who made it at his drugstore where the drink was sold. It was renamed Pepsi Cola in 1898, named after the digestive enzyme pepsin and kola nuts used in the recipe.

How Being Bugs Bunny Helped This Voice Actor Out of Coma

How Being Bugs Bunny Helped This Voice Actor Out of Coma

Mel Blanc; the voice of Bugs Bunny, had been in a serious car accident that put him in a coma. After many unsuccessful attempts to get him to talk, a doctor asked “Bugs, can you hear me” Mel responded in the voice of bugs bunny, “Whats up, Doc? The doctors used this to lead him out of his coma.

The fearless Annie Lee Cooper

The fearless Annie Lee Cooper

Annie Lee Cooper was fired in 1963 after attempting to register to vote. She attempted it once more in 1965, but the sheriff ordered her to leave after prodding her in the neck with a club. She then punched him, causing him to fall to the ground. She was imprisoned before ultimately registering to vote. Following the passage of the Voting Rights Act, the sheriff was ousted and subsequently imprisoned for collaborating to transport drugs, but Annie Lee Cooper lived to reach 100 years old and bears her name to this day.

The world’s longest flight spent more than two months in the air

The world’s longest flight spent more than two months in the air

Roberts Timm and Jim Cook, two pilots, flew an aircraft for more than two months without landing in 1958. Matching the speed of a truck moving down the road to refuel. A mattress for sleeping, a small steel sink for personal hygiene, the removal of most interior fittings to reduce weight, and a basic autopilot were among the improvements.