(I'm quite late on reporting this incident from over 2 years ago, but just spotted it).

In Sept 2019, four hikers were on the 2nd day of a 5 day hike in Wollemi National Park, New South Wales, Australia, when one fell and sustained multiple fractures.

They used a PLB to call for help, and a signal mirror to help the responding plane to pinpoint them.

The full story is here, 2nd column, 2nd story from top:
https://aiea.org.au/kinetic-technology-international-pty-ltd-1507767692811468/

The signal mirror part is in this section:

"I checked the time after activating the PLB and it was about 10.05am. Help Arrives: At about 1:30pm a fixed wing plane arrived in the area and began to circle.

We used the signal mirror provided with the PLB and a small smoke fire to attempt to signal our precise location. Shortly after the plane left a rescue helicopter arrived at our location. I check my watch and it was 2:05pm."

Great save!

Boater adrift in the Caribbean for 24 days while other boats passed by - rescued after flashing plane with signal mirror.

News articles:
UK Daily Mail Article (Archive link)
NPR Article (Archive link)
UK Daily MIrror (Archive link)

This is a very good reminder that "old tech" is still very good.

I'm in the middle of the mid west and don't expect I'll need a dramatic rescue anytime in my future but I've still got a signal mirror in my kit.

First signal mirror save (that I know of) in 2024!

Will Fransen of New Zealand fell overboard 35km east of New Zealand on January 2, 2024.

He had to tread water for 23 hours before he was able to attract the attention of
three passing fishermen ~600 meters distant by
reflecting sunlight from the face of his wristwatch.

[video:youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8mqCMDY--o[/video]

Global News: Fisherman saved by watch reflection [Archived Link]

New Zealand Herald: "Will Fransen,...es ordeal" [Archived article]

Very cool!

Another belated find by me - this Grand Canyon rescue was 4 years ago (2020), but I just spotted the account.

While this Grand Canyon National Park rescue at Tapeats Creek, Arizona is (correctly) credited to the use of an ACR PLB,the survivor says, that, after SAR responded to his PLB:

"The search and rescue team had a hard time spotting us from the air.
I used a signal mirror and the pilot said that’s how they were able to locate us."

Full story here:
https://www.acrartex.com/survivor-stories/tapeats-creek-arizona-usa/

Very cool! When you need a mirror few things will replace one.

Another signal mirror assist from exactly a year ago, reported last November, but I only spotted tonight:

ATV flipped over in East Oregon offroad, breaking the rider's neck. His companion triggered his Ocean Signal PLB.

"After what felt like an eternity, the distinctive thumping of a helicopter’s rotors filled the air. I frantically waved the mirror, and with a flash of sunlight, the helicopter zeroed in on our position."

"The pilot informed me that they had received the beacon signal, and it was the beacon that got them close to us."

"Thanks to the beacon, my mirror, and the incredible dedication of the emergency crews, my friend Bill survived against all odds."

Full story here:
https://www.acrartex.com/survivor-storie...l-atv-incident/

Nice, saved some time and potentially having to spend an overnight out.

Some irony that ACR discontinued their signal mirror some time ago.
https://www.acrartex.com/products/hot-shot-signal-mirror/

Also notice CountyComm now have a plastic signal mirror.
https://countycomm.com/products/compact-signal-mirror

Anyone tried one of them?