A 70-year-old Michigan hiker was rescued Saturday after disappearing for about a week during an extended solo trip in Isle Royale National Park. Craig Berg was found alive and alert but suffering from hypothermia and other undisclosed injuries. Backpackers located him before search teams reached the remote area, allowing a Coast Guard helicopter to evacuate him for medical evaluation. Multiple agencies used land, water and air resources during the search on and around the Lake Superior island.
Berg had arrived at the park on Aug. 27 and was expected to return home Sept. 5. Officials have not said where he spent the intervening days or explained the circumstances that led to his injuries.
Article Subheadings
| 1) | Hiker is found after a week-long disappearance |
|---|---|
| 2) | Backpackers alert authorities to Berg’s location |
| 3) | A multi-agency search reaches the remote island |
| 4) | Isle Royale’s isolation complicated the response |
| 5) | Helicopter evacuation follows the rescue |
Hiker is found after a week-long disappearance
Craig Berg, 70, disappeared after beginning an extended solo hike in Isle Royale National Park, a remote island in Lake Superior near the Canadian border. He was reported missing after failing to return home on Sept. 5, following his arrival at the park on Aug. 27. Officials announced Saturday, Sept. 12, that he had been located alive and alert.
Berg was injured and suffering from hypothermia when rescuers reached him. Authorities did not release details about his injuries or disclose what happened during the period when he was missing. The rescue ended a search that involved crews operating across difficult and isolated terrain.
Backpackers alert authorities to Berg’s location
Berg was first spotted Saturday by backpackers described by officials as good Samaritans. Their observation provided the critical location information needed for search personnel to reach him in the park.
Michigan State Police foot patrols and K-9 units then moved toward Berg’s location. The response demonstrated the importance of other hikers in a remote environment where communications and access can be limited.
“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,” said Lt. Ben Eckola, a Michigan State Police public information officer.
A multi-agency search reaches the remote island
The search included the National Park Service, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Keweenaw County Sheriff’s Office, Wisconsin State Patrol and Minnesota Department of Public Safety. Coast Guard and Michigan State Police crews coordinated the emergency response.
Resources included a 45-foot Coast Guard boat, drones, seaplanes, K-9 teams and foot patrols. Michigan State Police K-9 officers were transported by helicopter to the island during the operation. The combination of air, water and ground resources was used to locate and reach Berg in a large, hard-to-access search area.
Isle Royale’s isolation complicated the response
Isle Royale National Park is located on a remote Lake Superior island and is among the least-visited national parks. Its distance from the mainland and limited infrastructure can make emergency operations more difficult than searches in more accessible locations.
The park has limited services, including two camp stores and a lodge, according to information provided by Berg’s wife. Cellphone service is often unreliable, and motorized vehicles and bicycles are generally prohibited. Those conditions meant that responders relied on specialized aircraft, boats, search dogs and coordinated patrols rather than conventional road access.
Helicopter evacuation follows the rescue
A helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City hoisted Berg from the ground after searchers reached him. Video released by authorities showed the crew lifting him from the island and preparing him for transport.
Berg was flown to a regional airport in Gwinn, Michigan, for emergency medical evaluation. Officials said he was alive and alert, but they did not provide a public update on the extent of his injuries or his subsequent condition.
Key Points
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Craig Berg was found alive and alert after disappearing during a solo hike. |
| 2 | Backpackers spotted him and helped direct rescuers to his location. |
| 3 | Multiple agencies deployed boats, aircraft, drones, K-9 teams and foot patrols. |
| 4 | He was treated for hypothermia and taken to a regional airport for evaluation. |
Summary
The rescue of Craig Berg followed a complex search in one of the country’s most remote national parks. Fellow hikers found him after roughly a week, while state, federal and local agencies combined specialized search resources to reach him. Berg’s condition and the details of his time missing remained undisclosed after his evacuation for emergency medical assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was rescued from Isle Royale National Park?
Craig Berg, a 70-year-old man from Royal Oak, Michigan, was rescued after disappearing during an extended solo hike.
When and where was Berg found?
He was found Saturday, Sept. 12, on Isle Royale, a remote island in Lake Superior near the Canadian border.
How was Berg evacuated?
A Coast Guard helicopter hoisted him from the island and transported him to a regional airport in Gwinn for emergency medical evaluation.
What condition was Berg in when rescuers reached him?
Officials said he was alive and alert but suffering from hypothermia and injuries whose details were not released.