A 70-year-old hiker, Craig Berg, has been found alive on Isle Royale National Park in Michigan after disappearing for 11 days during a solo trip. Berg, a retired quality engineer and grandfather of two, was located on September 12 in an injured and hypothermic condition.
The U.S. Coast Guard airlifted Berg from a remote marsh area on the Lake Superior island. He was subsequently transported to a local hospital. His son, Evan Berg, drove 455 miles from Detroit to Marquette to meet his father.
Berg began his hike on August 27. His wife alerted the family when he failed to check into his hotel on September 5. He last communicated with his family on September 2. Berg lost his cellphone and wallet in the marsh and had planned to complete his trip in 10 days.
Officials initiated a search at Rock Harbor, where Berg was expected to finish, and later expanded the search area. The last confirmed sighting of Berg was on the Greenstone Ridge Trail via a trail camera on August 30. The U.S. Coast Guard has stated that details regarding Berg's condition and the circumstances of his disappearance are still unknown.
Evan Berg described his father as being in rough shape but okay, reporting that he was asking for water and food. The father and son were scheduled to run a race together on September 6, after Berg's planned return.
Berg's sister, Kim McGowan, noted that he is an experienced hiker who has undertaken solo trips before. She recalled him discussing his plans for the Isle Royale trip in June, showing them his map and plotting his intended route.
Berg's son shared that his father was processing the ordeal and humorously mentioned having enough stories for a book. His son encouraged him to write it. Evan Berg stated it was a wonderful feeling to find out his father was alive after the intense search.
