Hydrodynamic and Particle Drift Modeling as a Support System for Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) Emergencies: Application to the C-212 Aircraft Accident on 2 September, 2011, in the Juan Fernández Archipelago, Chile

Search and rescue (SAR) refers to every operation aiming find someone presumed lost, sick, or injured in remote hard-to-access areas. This study presents the design of an operational system that supports maritime SAR emergencies by combining information from global hydrodynamic models (GHM) a local model (LHM) implemented FVCOM. The output these is used as input multiple particle drift estimator (MPDE) estimate trajectories floating elements derived accidents ocean. MPDE also includes trajectory estimates using empirical LEEWAY formulation. modeling validated with data collected during emergency occurred on 2 September 2011, where C-212 aircraft Chilean Air Force destined Juan Fernández Archipelago crashed ocean between islands Santa Clara Robinson Crusoe. Trajectories were assessed terms commonly NCLS (normalized cumulative Lagrangian separation) performance indicator modified version, NCLSmod, which considers both movement orientation trajectories. LHM was executed three scenarios: forced only tide, tide wind combined, wind. different varied response ocean–atmosphere conditions their variations at time accident. In times calm wind, tidal influence performed better, while wind-forced better when winds greater than 7 km h−1. use FVCOM solved coastal circulation accounted for bathymetric effects area. resulted improved variability distribution modeled compared observed drifter work first related cases Chile, provides fast tool search areas based ensemble forecasts publicly available sources.