MARINETTE COUNTY, Wis. (WLUC) – The Marinette County Sheriff’s Office used a drone to locate three missing rubber dinghy riders over the weekend.

According to a press release from the sheriff’s office, dispatchers responded to a 911 call around 7:27 p.m. Sunday about three inflatable boats that had overturned on the Peshtigo River in Stephenson.

Authorities said one of the three dinghy drivers got lost in a wooded area while trying to find his way, but was found by the first officers to arrive.

Before the Sheriff’s Office arrived on scene, they activated the drone team, which consisted of Sergeant Spencer Elias and Deputy Gary Temple, as well as the City of Marinette drone pilot.

After deploying the drone and using its spotlight function, rescue workers were able to locate the two remaining tubers and bring them to safety.

The Marinette County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Village of Crivitz Fire Department, Town of Stephenson Fire Department, Crivitz EMS Department and Town of Marinette Police Department.

The Marinette County drone and spotlight were purchased with donations from Faith Lutheran Church in Marinette.

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