After a week lost in Michigan’s wild Isle Royale, a 70-year-old hiker was found alive and airlifted to safety by coordinated rescuers.
Story Highlights
- Backpackers found the missing man alive after a week on Isle Royale.
- Coast Guard aircrew hoisted him and flew him to medical care.
- National Park Service and state police coordinated the weeklong search.
- Older solo hikers are often overrepresented in rescue cases.
Rescue Teams Locate Missing Hiker After Week on Remote Island
United States Coast Guard officials said a 70-year-old solo hiker, missing since September 5 on Isle Royale National Park, was found alive and rescued on Saturday. Backpackers on the island spotted the man and alerted authorities, who moved quickly to reach him. The Coast Guard described him as injured and ailing when found. Crews evacuated him for medical treatment after a week in one of America’s most remote parks, which sits in the cold waters of Lake Superior.
Reporters and park officials identified the man as Craig Berg of Royal Oak, Michigan. Outlets said he was located alive and alert before the air rescue. Video shared by local media showed a Coast Guard helicopter crew lifting him in a rescue basket. Emergency medical staff met the aircraft on the mainland and took him to a hospital for further care after exposure and injuries during the ordeal.
How Air Crews and Park Rangers Executed the Save
Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City launched an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter to the island once ground teams confirmed the find. Air crews hoisted Berg from rugged terrain where boats or ground carry-outs would be slow. Michigan State Police assisted the mission, while National Park Service rangers managed search sectors and backcountry access. The quick switch from ground confirmation to air evacuation likely cut hours off the timeline and lowered risk to both the patient and rescuers.
Local and regional coverage detailed the steps after the hoist. The helicopter flew Berg to Marquette Regional Airport in Gwinn, Michigan, where waiting emergency medical services took over. This handoff reflects the standard rescue chain: locate, stabilize, extract, and transfer to higher medical care. The clear roles for park rangers, state police, and federal air crews show practiced coordination that is vital in remote settings with limited roads and long boat transit times.
Why Solo Hikers Face Higher Rescue Risk—and What Works
Search-and-rescue experts have long noted that people hiking alone account for a large share of rescue cases nationwide. A leading analyst reported that solo travelers make up a majority of incidents, even though they are not a majority of trail users. Many calls start with basic problems like fatigue, route errors, or limited gear. Quick detection, help from other hikers, and fast-moving rescue teams are often the difference between life and death in these cases.
National parks record thousands of rescue operations each year, with hiking as a major driver of incidents. One peer-reviewed review of park rescues tallied more than twelve thousand operations over just four years, underscoring the strain on first responders and taxpayers. The pattern is clear: early reporting, clear trip plans, and emergency communication tools improve outcomes. On Isle Royale, backpackers spotting Berg and alerting authorities sped up the rescue clock and enabled the airlift.
A Win for Coordination—and a Reminder for Backcountry Safety
This save highlights the value of strong cooperation between federal, state, and local teams. Under President Trump, the Coast Guard continues to deliver front-line lifesaving missions that align with core government duties: protect the homeland and save American lives. The mission also shows what works for citizens. Share your plan, carry basic survival gear, and hike with a partner when you can. If you choose to go solo, double-check navigation and communications before you step off.
WATCH: Missing 70-Year-Old Hiker Found Alive After Week in Remote US National Park
A 70-year-old solo hiker who went missing for a week in one of America’s most remote national parks has been found alive at Isle Royale National Park in Lake Superior.
Craig Berg was suffering…
— Trivane News (@TrivaneNews) September 14, 2026
Backcountry freedom is part of the American spirit. With that freedom comes responsibility. Older hikers can still tackle tough trails with the right prep. Pack warm layers, water treatment, a map, and a way to call for help. Tell family your route and return time. When fellow hikers see trouble, speak up, like the backpackers who found Berg. Their action, paired with trained rescuers, turned a likely tragedy into a life saved.
Sources:
facebook.com, abcnews.com, upnorthlive.com, universe.byu.edu
