Eight skiers have died and one remains missing from a 15-person group in California’s deadliest avalanche. Six others survived and were evacuated.

Axar.az informs that officials said the survivors were able to communicate with rescuers using emergency beacons and Apple’s Emergency SOS via satellite feature on iPhone — staying in contact for hours while search teams navigated treacherous terrain.

Apple’s Emergency SOS via satellite, available on all iPhone 14 models and later, lets users contact emergency services when there’s no cellular or Wi-Fi coverage. The feature is intended for “exceptional circumstances” where no other means of reaching help are available.

If a call or text to emergency services fails, the iPhone prompts you to connect via satellite. You must be outdoors with a clear view of the sky, and onscreen guidance helps align the device. Once connected, your phone begins a text conversation with responders, automatically sharing your location (including elevation), answers to an emergency questionnaire, Medical ID info (if set), emergency contacts, and battery status.

The feature is free for two years after activating an iPhone 14 or later.