Crowds at Sydney’s famous Vivid festival were left stunned after nearly 90 drones suddenly plunged into Darling Harbour during the “Star-Bound” aerial light show following what operators described as major technical difficulties. The dramatic malfunction unfolded over Cockle Bay on May 25 when dozens of illuminated drones abruptly descended into the water, forcing organizers to immediately cancel the remainder of the performance as spectators watched the chaos unfold in real time.

According to ABC News, drone operator SkyMagic said an unforeseen radio frequency change triggered the drones’ emergency failsafe system, causing 89 aircraft to perform controlled landings directly into the harbor within the designated exclusion zone. Officials confirmed no injuries were reported during the incident, but safety concerns prompted organizers to cancel the following two nights of scheduled performances while investigators reviewed the technical failure and operational safeguards.

The shocking malfunction has reignited questions about the reliability and safety of increasingly complex drone entertainment systems used at major public events worldwide. Videos of the drones falling into the harbor quickly spread online as authorities and event organizers worked to reassure the public that emergency protocols functioned as intended despite the highly visible collapse of one of the festival’s headline attractions.