February 25, 2026

Where were inReach SOS messages triggered? What were users doing when they encountered an emergency? What was the top cause for SOS incidents? Every year, we unpack the data to provide a look at how Garmin inReach satellite communication devices are being utilized in emergency situations.

Since 2011, inReach satellite technology¹ has helped users stay in touch globally, send and receive messages outside of cellphone service areas, track and share journeys, and navigate routes with detailed mapping.

When necessary, users can also trigger an SOS message to Garmin Response℠. Each year, we unpack that data to provide a comprehensive look at how and why inReach SOS messages are being triggered. To start, here are some key takeaways from 2025:   

• We are now seeing more than 3,000 total inReach SOS incidents per year.
• Trail and mountain-based incidents were notably up in 2025, and marine incidents were a growing category.
• Work-related SOS incidents jumped into the top 10, highlighting how organizations are utilizing inReach technology to equip workers for emergency situations.
• We are seeing a trend of medical issues (e.g., altitude sickness, heart problems, gastrointestinal issues) increasing each year.
• Customers are using the two-way satellite messaging capabilities of inReach devices to self-rescue without the use of emergency resources over 12% of the time. 
• When emergency resources are necessary, helicopters are utilized one-third of the time, highlighting how many incidents can be of an extreme or life-threatening nature.

Before we dive deeper into the data, we should also mention a few SOS-capable devices added to the Garmin inReach lineup in 2025.

First, we introduced the fēnix® 8 Pro Series — the first smartwatches from Garmin with inReach technology for satellite and cellular connectivity, including SOS message capability supported by Garmin Response.

We also brought inReach Plus technology, color touchscreen displays and more to the new inReach Mini 3 Plus and GPSMAP® H1i Plus. With either of those devices or the inReach Messenger Plus, inReach users can exchange photos and voice messages² via satellite — including during an SOS event, which gives Garmin Response coordinators the ability to see and hear details of the emergency firsthand.

Where were SOS incidents triggered?

The triggering of SOS incident messages across the globe speaks to the scale of the satellite coverage and the broad use of inReach technology. Plus, when it comes to SOS events, there are a few unique things about how the inReach system works:

• SOS activations are managed by the Garmin in-house emergency monitoring team, Garmin Response. Operating since 2007, Garmin Response is composed of a dedicated staff of trained professionals who are always ready to respond to inReach SOS message triggers.
• Garmin Response uses proprietary emergency handling software to manage each SOS alert and works with a global database of local first responders. During an SOS event, Garmin Response can initiate direct messaging between the inReach user and the responding rescue agency.
• inReach location sharing allows loved ones to track a user’s location at specified intervals. During an SOS incident, location data automatically begins transmitting from the device to Garmin Response — information Garmin Response can provide to rescue agencies to know a user’s exact location.
• inReach handheld devices are rugged, durable, impact-resistant and water-rated to IPX7, with the battery life of select models lasting up to 30 days — especially important qualities during an emergency. 

What were people doing when they triggered an SOS message?

The activity breakdown for SOS incidents in 2025 highlights the many ways customers use their device. Though the top 5 categories remained the same in 2025, we still observed changes from 2024. Trail and mountain-based activity incidents in the climbing/mountaineering and hiking/backpacking categories were up in 2025. Water-based activity incidents were also trending up, with an increase in sailing incidents and boating replacing hunting as the sixth-largest category.

In 2024, we noted that dirt biking and rafting were increasing categories, but that trend did not continue into 2025. Instead, some new categories emerged: work-related (SOS incidents occurring while working professionally) jumped into the top 10, while cycling, motorcycling and paddle sports incidents also increased.

Why were people triggering an SOS message?

Injuries were again the top cause for SOS incidents this year. Another top category was motor vehicle accidents and issues, and vessel issues were trending up — indicating inReach devices can be a valuable tool to include in vehicle or boat emergency kits. Medical issues, stranded persons and lost parties rounded out the top 5…