New information released on found Isle Royale hiker
These photos are from the search for Craig Berg last week on Isle Royale National Park. (Photos courtesy of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources)
These photos are from the search for Craig Berg last week on Isle Royale National Park. (Photos courtesy of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources)
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ISLE ROYALE NATIONAL PARK -- More information has been released about the rescue of Craig Berg, 70, who was reported overdue from Isle Royale on Sept. 6 and found by rescuers on Sept. 12.
"Isle Royale National Park extends its sincere gratitude to the National Park Service staff, partner agencies, volunteers and visitors who supported the search for Craig Berg of Royal Oak, Michigan," said a statement from the National Parks Service Office of Communications.
"Berg was reported overdue on Sunday, Sept. 6, prompting a large-scale search across Isle Royale's remote backcountry and waterways. Search teams used multiple resources and methods throughout the operation, including ground teams, canine-assisted searches, boats, aircraft and drones.
"Isle Royale encompasses more than 200 square miles of rugged and remote terrain in Lake Superior. The island has no roads and is accessible only by boat or seaplane. Search teams worked across dense forests, rocky shorelines, wetlands and inland lakes, where limited cellular coverage can also make communication challenging."
A statement from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources described how difficult the search operation was, given the conditions.
"This is a 44-mile island with extreme habitat," said DNR Law Enforcement Sgt. Marc Pomroy, who was involved with the search. "You have to narrow down where you're searching. The teamwork of all the agencies coming together as partners to successfully function made it possible for the Coast Guard to airlift Berg back to Marquette, where he was walking in the hospital before the last searchers returned from searching. This is a remarkable timeline given the location and extreme habitat."
"On Saturday, Sept. 12, two paddlers located Berg on Intermediate Lake and relayed his location. The National Park Service immediately deployed park staff and additional resources by foot and coordinated with the U.S. Coast Guard for aviation support," continued the NPS statement. The Coast Guard transported Berg to Marquette, Michigan, for medical care."
"The successful outcome reflects the combined efforts of search teams, partner agencies and members of the public who assisted throughout the operation.
"Visitors to Isle Royale are encouraged to prepare for the park's remote conditions before entering the backcountry. Appropriate equipment, trip planning and an understanding of the island's limited transportation and communication infrastructure are important parts of a safe visit.
"Organizations that participated in the search or assisted with transportation included Isle Royale National Park, U.S. Coast Guard Station Northern Great Lakes Michigan, Houghton Police Department, Keweenaw County Sheriff's Department, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan State Police – Special Operations Division – Negaunee post, Calumet post, Minnesota State Patrol Aviation Resources and MJO Contracting."
Annie Lippert can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 550. Her email address is alippert@miningjournal.net.