A 70-year-old man, Craig Berg, was found alive and alert after disappearing a week earlier during a hike in Isle Royale National Park. He was rescued by Coast Guard and Michigan State Police on Saturday, despite suffering from hypothermia.
The U.S. Coast Guard Great Lakes reported that Berg went missing on September 5. A video shows a helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City hoisting him from the ground. He was later taken to Gwinn for urgent medical care.
Berg was discovered by backpackers in the park before police foot patrols and K-9 units reached him. The search involved multiple agencies, including the National Park Service and Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Lt. Ben Eckola of Michigan State Police credited the efforts of all involved, including the backpackers, Isle Royale Seaplanes, and No One Left Behind K9 Search and Rescue, in locating Berg.
According to the Detroit Free Press, Berg, from Royal Oak, Michigan, began a solo hike on August 27. He was expected to return home by September 5. The park, located on a remote island in Lake Superior near the Canadian border, is one of the least-visited national parks.
Berg’s wife, Debbie, explained the park’s challenges, highlighting that only two rangers work on the island and facilities are minimal. Cell service is often unreliable, and many items like bicycles and motorized vehicles are restricted.