(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!