Isle Royale, Michigan — A 70-year-old hiker who had been missing for nearly 10 days in the remote wilderness of Isle Royale National Park has been found alive after backpackers spotted him, bringing an emotional end to a search across the rugged Michigan island.
Craig Berg had been missing since September 5 and was eventually discovered injured and suffering from hypothermia, according to authorities. Despite the difficult conditions, officials said Berg was alive and alert when he was found.
The discovery came after backpackers came across him in the remote island wilderness and alerted authorities, helping trigger the final stage of a complicated rescue operation.
Isle Royale National Park announced the breakthrough Sunday, saying Berg had been found alive.
Coast Guard helps bring hiker to safety
Once Berg was located, the U.S. Coast Guard played a key role in getting him out of the remote area.
A Coast Guard boat and helicopter assisted with the rescue and helped coordinate Berg’s transfer to a nearby hospital, where he could receive treatment for his injuries and hypothermia.
His rescue came after days of searching through difficult terrain in one of Michigan’s most isolated national park areas.
Berg reportedly lives on the main island of Isle Royale, but his disappearance still prompted an extensive response from authorities and search teams.
The operation involved far more than one agency. Multiple first responders and public safety organizations worked together to locate the missing senior.
Backpackers and first responders join search
Officials credited the “good Samaritan backpackers” who spotted Berg with helping bring the nearly 10-day search to a successful conclusion.
The National Park Service, Wisconsin State Patrol, Michigan Department of Public Safety and Michigan Department of Natural Resources were among the agencies involved in the search-and-rescue effort.
Senior Chief Petty Officer Wendy Janson, Command Duty Officer of Sector Northern Great Lakes command center, described the rescue as an example of what can happen when first responders and members of the community work together.
The cooperation between agencies and civilians proved especially important given the isolated environment where Berg was found.
Isle Royale is a rugged and isolated wilderness
Isle Royale National Park is unlike many more easily accessible national parks. The park consists of about 400 remote islands in Lake Superior, with the main island stretching roughly 50 miles long and 9 miles wide.
The National Park Service describes the area as rugged wilderness that is far from connected communities.
Visitors have access to more than 160 miles of trails and 36 campgrounds, making the park a destination for hikers and backpackers seeking a remote outdoor experience.
But that isolation can also make emergencies significantly more challenging.
The islands cannot be reached by ordinary road travel. Visitors must arrive by ferry, seaplane or private watercraft, meaning search teams have to rely heavily on specialized transportation and coordination when someone becomes lost or injured.
Rescue brings relief after days of uncertainty
For Berg’s family, friends and the people involved in the search, finding him alive after nearly 10 days brought a remarkable conclusion to a potentially devastating disappearance.
Although he was found injured and hypothermic, authorities were able to move him from the remote island environment and arrange medical care.
The successful rescue also highlighted the importance of cooperation between park officials, emergency responders, the Coast Guard and ordinary visitors who were in the right place at the right time.
What began as a prolonged search for a missing 70-year-old in an isolated wilderness ultimately ended with Berg being found alive and taken for treatment.
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