On February 27, a DJI Matrice 210 equipped with a Zenmuse XT2 thermal imaging camera and a Zenmuse Z30 zoom camera disappeared into the ocean at the Masonboro Inlet, located in North Carolina, during the conduct of joint training exercises regarding rescue operations of swimmers in south end of Wrightsville Beach. The device’s battery was discharged. The unmanned aerial vehicle was deployed to carry out aerial surveillance of boat crews.

In accordance with the statement made by fire chief Woody Sullivan, on the way to the shore the drone had to struggle with headwind of 15 mph. Sullivan also emphasized that instead of making an emergency landing on water, it would be worthwhile to land and DJI Matrice 210 on one of the boats. In addition, the device cost $ 26,000. Official investigation of the incident will be carried out. The UAV operator reportedly had full control of the device.