The wilderness of Isle Royale, a remote national park in Lake Superior, recently became the stage for a dramatic rescue operation. On Saturday, September 13, 2026, a 70-year-old hiker named Craig Berg was found alive but injured and hypothermic after being missing for a week. The successful rescue was a testament to the combined efforts of the U.S. Coast GuardMichigan State Police and several other agencies.
Berg had embarked on a nine-day solo backpacking hike on the island, planning to return to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula on September 5. However, when he failed to arrive home as expected, his family reported him missing, triggering an extensive search and rescue mission.
The Search Effort
The search for Berg began on September 6, with crews initially focusing on Rock Harbor, where he was supposed to end his hike. As the days passed without any sign of Berg, the search expanded to other areas, including the Greenstone Ridge trail. A trail camera captured an image of Berg on August 30, providing a crucial clue for the search teams.
The remote and rugged terrain of Isle Royale, which spans 200 square miles of solid land with no roads or wheeled vehicles allowed, posed significant challenges for the search teams. Ground search teams had to navigate through dense boreal forests and rocky ridges, making the operation particularly demanding.
The Rescue Mission
On Friday, a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew from Coast Guard Station Portage and a helicopter crew from Air Station Traverse City transported Michigan State Police troopers and K-9 units to Isle Royale to aid in the search efforts. The following day, with the assistance of good Samaritan backpackers, Berg was located on the island.
An MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City hoisted Berg from the island and transported him to Marquette Regional Airport in Gwinn, Michigan, approximately 140 miles (230 km) away. Emergency medical services personnel staged at the airport then transported Berg to a local hospital for further care.
The Collaborative Effort
The rescue of Craig Berg was a collaborative effort involving multiple agencies and individuals. Lt. Ben Eckola of the Michigan State Police Eighth District Public Information Office expressed gratitude for the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the search. He thanked the Michigan State Police personnel, the U.S. Coast Guard, the National Park Service, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the Keweenaw County Sheriff’s Office, the Wisconsin State Patrol, and the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. He also acknowledged the fellow hikers who assisted in the search, as well as Isle Royale Seaplanes and No One Left Behind K9 Search and Rescue.
Senior Chief Petty Officer Wendy Janson of the Sector Northern Great Lakes command center emphasized the importance of teamwork in the successful rescue. She stated that the operation was a testament to what can be accomplished when first responders and members of the community come together. Janson expressed gratitude for being able to get Berg safely off the island and deliver him to the medical care he needed.
Berg’s son, Evan, shared his relief and happiness upon learning that his father had been found. He mentioned that Berg was in rough shape but able to speak and ask for food and water. Evan expressed gratitude for the support received on social media and the collective efforts that led to his father’s rescue.
The National Park Service also extended its thanks to the employees and partners who contributed to the search and rescue operation. The successful conclusion of this intensive, week-long mission highlights the importance of collaboration and community support in such critical situations.
