Drone News Roundup: Drone Saves Man Hit by a Train, Drone Footage of Octopus Riding a Shark, and More!

This week we’re covering a story out of Oklahoma City about a drone helping save a man’s life after he was struck by a train.

We’re also covering drone footage of an octopus riding on the back of a shark in New Zealand, the FAA’s Drone Safety Day happening this Saturday, a fun cinewhoop shot at sea on a cruise ship, and the potential impact of China’s rare earth export restrictions on the U.S. drone industry.

Now let’s get to those links!

First Responder Drone Saves Man Hit by a Train

A Skydio X10 played a pivotal role recently in rescuing a man struck by a train in Oklahoma City. When a conductor reported the incident but couldn’t pinpoint the victim’s location, the Oklahoma City Police Department’s Drone as First Responder (DFR) program sprang into action. Within minutes, the team used the X10 to locate the severely injured man in an inaccessible area, relaying precise coordinates and live video to first responders. This rapid aerial response was credited with saving the man’s life, showcasing the real-world impact of advanced drone technology in emergency rescue scenarios.

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Drone Footage Shows Octopus Riding Back of a Shark

A stunning drone capture off New Zealand’s coast revealed a rare marine spectacle: an octopus riding on the back of a short-fin mako shark. Shot in the Hauraki Gulf near Kawau Island, this unusual behavior has puzzled marine scientists from the University of Auckland, since octopuses typically live on the seabed while mako sharks prefer open waters. The incredible footage highlights how drones are revolutionizing wildlife observation, offering unique aerial perspectives that uncover nature’s most surprising moments. Researchers at the University of Auckland have coined a new term for this unique behavior—they’re calling it a sharktopus.

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FAA Drone Safety Day Is This Saturday, April 26

The FAA’s annual Drone Safety Day is happening this Saturday, April 26, 2025. Drone Safety Day is the FAA’s annual campaign to promote safe drone operations and showcase the positive impact drones have on our communities. This year’s theme is “Fly Right,” encouraging pilots to:

• Register your drone (FAADroneZone)
• Interact with others in the drone community
• Gain knowledge about safe flying
• Have a safety plan
• TRUST and Train

Events for Drone Safety Day—both in-person and virtual—will focus on education, environmental benefits, and emergency response. Get involved and help keep the skies safe!

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Fun Cinewhoop Shot on Cruise Ship at Sea

 

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A post shared by Vince Tonk (@jedeye_fpv)

Drone pilot @Jedeye_FPV shot this impressive fly-through recently on the MSC World America cruise ship, navigating tight indoor spaces like multi-story slides, cabins, and the ship’s bustling promenade with flawless precision. This cinematic cinewhoop drone footage captures the cruise ship’s architecture and dynamic interiors in ways traditional cameras just can’t, taking you on an up-close tour of this massive vessel. MSC Cruises commissioned the video, pushing drone innovation at sea in a blend of entertainment, marketing, and immersive storytelling.

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How China’s Restrictions on Rare Earth Exports Will Impact U.S. Drones

The Skydio X10

China’s new export restrictions on rare earth elements are poised to significantly impact the U.S. drone industry. These elements are crucial for manufacturing drone components like motors, batteries, and magnets. Thanks to the trade war, they’re now facing tighter export controls, potentially disrupting supply chains and increasing production costs for U.S. drone makers. Since the U.S. drone industry relies on these materials, companies may need to explore alternative sourcing, invest in domestic mining, or develop alternative materials to deal with the impact of these restrictions. It will be difficult, but these changes could potentially reshape the competitive landscape and accelerate the push for self-reliance in drone technology here in the U.S.

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