How a drone photographer saved a man’s life

By Douglas Whitbread via SWNS

A photographer saved a man's life after spotting that the sandbank he was standing on was being surrounded by a quick-rising tide - with his drone camera.

Lee Bonney, 35, was taking photos of a “beautiful” sunset over Blackpool beach in the United Kingdom on January 11, when he caught sight of the lone man standing on a sandbank.

As the tide raced in towards the shoreline, Lee noticed how the unnamed beachgoer didn’t seem aware that within minutes he would be cut off by the water.

So Lee, who regularly captures scenes across Blackpool’s coastline, selflessly put down his camera and called out to the man, who managed escape just in time.

Speaking about the incident, humble Lee said he felt fortunate that he was able to help the stricken stranger on this occasion.

“I was just in the right place at the right time," he said.

"But if I hadn't been using the drone, I would have never spotted that the man was in real danger."

Later, the RNLI tweeted praise of Lee, who works as a local volunteer at the lifeboat service, congratulating him on his "quick thinking."

Lee said he had origianlly been drawn to Blackpool Promenade because of the incredible sunset that day.

A photographer saved this man's life after spotting that the sandbank he was standing on was being surrounded by a quick rising tide - with his drone camera. (Lee Bonney via SWNS)

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“There was a beautiful sunset in Blackpool, and I was taking some shots of the sunset. I could see the tide was coming in fast," he said.

“But then, I could see there was a gentleman who had gone down onto the sandbank, and I was watching him.

"I could see the tide was coming round the back of him."

Lee, who has extensive knowledge of the sometimes-hazardous tides along the North West coast, recognized that the man soon wouldn’t make it back to the shoreline.

He explained: “The tide was creating a ‘back eddy,’ where it comes round the sandbank and cuts you off.

“It was coming in, and he didn’t seem to be aware of it, so I completed my shots and shouted to him.

“If I hadn’t shouted at him, he would have been cut off. I was quite happy with that.”

Lee said he hopes that his pictures can raise awareness of the dangers that walkers face when they venture onto the sands.

He said: “It’s a good way to spread awareness and clearer understanding of the tides.”