Craig Berg, a 70‑year‑old resident of Royal Oak, Michigan, was rescued Saturday after disappearing for a week while on a solo hike in Isle Royale National Park. Officials said he was suffering from hypothermia when Coast Guard and Michigan State Police crews reached him.
Coordinated rescue effort
The U.S. Coast Guard Great Lakes announced that a helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City hoisted Berg from the ground. He was then flown to a regional airport in Gwinn for emergency medical evaluation.
Multiple agencies joined the search, including the National Park Service, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Keweenaw County Sheriff’s Office, Wisconsin State Patrol and Minnesota Department of Public Safety. Resources deployed included a 45‑foot Coast Guard boat, drones and seaplanes.
Local volunteers play key role
Berg was first spotted by “good Samaritan” backpackers on Saturday, prompting Michigan State Police foot patrols and K‑9 units to locate him. Lt. Ben Eckola of Michigan State Police praised the effort, saying, “We’re also thankful to the fellow hikers who helped, Isle Royale Seaplanes, and No One Left Behind K9 Search and Rescue. Everyone’s efforts played an important part in finding Craig.”
Park conditions and safety reminders
Isle Royale National Park, situated on a remote island in Lake Superior near the Canadian border, is one of the nation’s least‑visited parks and has limited infrastructure. Only two rangers are stationed on the island, and the park offers just two camp stores and a lodge. Cell phone service is often unreliable, and many types of equipment, such as bicycles, motorized vehicles and drones, are prohibited.
Berg arrived on the island on Aug. 27 for an extended solo hike and failed to return on Sept. 5. His wife, Debbie, told the Detroit Free Press that the limited ranger presence and sparse amenities contributed to the difficulty of the search.
The successful rescue underscores the importance of preparedness, reliable communication tools and the dedication of both professional responders and community volunteers when navigating remote wilderness areas.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
