A 70-year-old hiker, Craig Berg, has been rescued after going missing for a week on a remote island in Isle Royale National Park, Michigan. He was found "alive and alert" on Saturday, according to a statement from the U.S. Coast Guard.
Berg was spotted by Good Samaritan backpackers, leading to his rescue by state police and K-9 units. He was found injured and hypothermic after spending approximately seven days stranded in the park's rugged terrain, which lacks cell service, drones, and motorized vehicles. Dramatic video released by the Coast Guard shows an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter hoisting Berg from the wilderness to be transported to a hospital for evaluation.
Berg's wife, Debbie Berg, told the Detroit Free Press that her husband had embarked on an extended solo hike in the 207-square-mile park, which borders Canada. He was scheduled to return home on September 5 but did not arrive as planned to catch his ferry.
A search effort was already underway on Friday, with a 45-foot response boat and a helicopter crew, including troopers and K-9 units, deployed to Isle Royale. Multiple agencies collaborated in the search, including the National Park Service, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Keweenaw County Sheriff’s Office, Wisconsin State Patrol, and the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. Search and rescue groups like Isle Royale Seaplanes and No One Left Behind K9 Search and Rescue also provided assistance.
"We're thankful that missing hiker, Craig Berg, was found alive and alert on Isle Royale," stated Lt. Ben Eckola, Public Information Officer for the Michigan State Police Eighth District. "Everyone's efforts played an important part in finding Craig."
The extent of Berg's injuries and the precise circumstances leading to his disappearance are not yet known.