Kayakers Rescue Missing Hiker on Isle Royale After 11-Day
A 70-year-old hiker lost for 11 days in Isle Royale National Park was rescued by two kayakers, ending an extensive search operation involving ground teams
A massive search for a missing hiker in Isle Royale National Park ended this week not by official searchers, but by chance. Two kayakers found 70-year-old Craig Berg, who had been lost for 11 days, more than a mile from any established trail.
Craig Berg of Royal Oak, Michigan, was reported overdue on September 6 after failing to return from a planned multi-day hike. His family alerted park officials, triggering an intensive search. The National Park Service coordinated efforts using ground teams, dogs, boats, aircraft, and drones. Despite these resources, the search had yielded no results by September 11.
The breakthrough came on Saturday. Two paddlers encountered Berg near Intermediate Lake. The kayakers relayed his location to rescue crews. A U.S. Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter team soon arrived and hoisted him to safety. The Park Service stated Berg was alert when found. He was taken to Marquette, Michigan, for medical recovery.
The Rescue Moment
Berg's son, Evan Berg, described the emotional moment he learned his father was alive to Detroit Local 4 news. "I yelled at the top of my lungs, 'he's alive!'" he said. "Wonderful feeling. [When I spoke to him], he was definitely shaken up; he was rattled." According to the Coast Guard, Berg was reportedly hypothermic and injured when discovered. His son said the adventure went wrong when Berg fell into a marsh, losing his wallet and phone.
Hiker's Background and Permits
The recent retiree and father of two had dreamed of hiking the Appalachian Trail. He was building experience with shorter objectives like his Isle Royale trip. Isle Royale, established as a national park in 1940, requires a permit for all overnight stays. Its remote wilderness demands intermediate to advanced backpacking skills. The park's primary long-distance route is the Greenstone Ridge Trail.
Official Response and Gratitude
In a statement, the National Park Service acknowledged the coordinated rescue effort. The successful outcome reflects the combined efforts of search teams, partner agencies and members of the public who assisted throughout the operation, the agency said. Berg's wife, Debbie, posted a message of thanks on Facebook. To the two gentlemen kayakers, who were National Guard from Saginaw and Metro D, who found him, my husband would like to buy you a beer, she wrote. "Say when."
