70-Year-Old Hiker Rescued After Week-Long Search in Isle Royale National Park

Officials reported that a 70-year-old man missing for a week during a hiking trip in Isle Royale National Park was found “alive and alert” on Saturday. Craig Berg, who was suffering from hypothermia at the time of his rescue, received assistance from the Coast Guard and Michigan State Police.

The U.S. Coast Guard Great Lakes confirmed that Berg had been rescued after having gone missing since September 5. Footage released by authorities shows a helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City lifting him to safety, after which he was taken to a local airport in Gwinn for urgent medical evaluation.

Details regarding what transpired during Berg’s time away remain undisclosed, including specifics about his condition. However, he was initially located by “good Samaritan” hikers in the area, prior to the arrival of Michigan State Police patrols and K-9 units.

The emergency search involved collaboration among multiple agencies, employing resources such as a 45-foot Coast Guard boat, drones, and seaplanes. Lt. Ben Eckola, a public information officer for Michigan State Police, noted that the National Park Service, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the Keweenaw County Sheriff’s Office, Wisconsin State Patrol, and the Minnesota Department of Public Safety all participated in the operation.

“We also want to extend our gratitude to the other hikers who lent a hand, Isle Royale Seaplanes, and No One Left Behind K9 Search and Rescue. Each effort contributed significantly to finding Craig,” Eckola stated.

Berg, who hails from Royal Oak, Michigan, entered the national park on August 27 for an extended solo hiking trip but was reported missing when he did not return home on September 5. Isle Royale National Park is located on a secluded island in Lake Superior, not far from the Canadian border, and is among the least-visited national parks due to its remoteness, featuring limited infrastructure.

Berg’s wife, Debbie, mentioned that only two park rangers are assigned to the island, which also has a couple of camp stores and a lodge.

According to the park’s site, cell phone reception can be “unreliable,” and various types of equipment—including bicycles and drones—are generally not permitted on the island.