Coast Guard rescues man overdue in Wilderness State Park

News Release

August 3, 2017 U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City Contact: Lt. Theodore Borny Office: (231) 922-8273

Coast Guard rescues man overdue in Wilderness State Park

 

CLEVELAND — The U.S. Coast Guard rescued a man from Wilderness State Park in Northern Lower Michigan early Thursday morning.

The name of the man is not being released and there is no Coast Guard imagery associated with the rescue.

Just before 1 a.m. watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, were notified by the Cheboygan, Charlevoix, Emmet County 911 Dispatch that a son had reported his father overdue from a trip to Wilderness State Park, Temperance Island and Wagoschance Island. 

It was reported that the man made this voyage regularly. His vehicle and boat trailer were found still at the boat ramp and the man's son reported his father did not normally have a radio on board, but usually brought a life jacket.

An MH-60 helicopter was launched from Air Station Traverse City along with a 45-foot response boat from Station St. Ignace National Park Service personnel searched the shoreline using an ATV. An Emmet County Sheriff's boat also joined in the search.

Shortly after launch the crew of the MH-60 arrived on scene and located a person along the shore signaling them with a flashlight. The rescue swimmer was lowered, confirmed the person was the missing man and treated him for a minor arm injury. 

The man was hoisted aboard and taken to Pellston Airport.

The Coast Guard reminds people of the importance of being prepared prior to taking a trip. Be sure to file a float plan, take along a reliable means of communication and always wear your life jacket.

 

-USCG-