ISLE ROYALE, MI — Isle Royale crews are searching for a missing Royal Oak man who was on a weeklong solo hike on the island, according to reports.
Family members told the Detroit Free Press that 70-year-old Craig Berg left for the solo trip nearly two weeks ago, and was supposed to return home this past weekend but never showed up.
The family believes he was last seen near Hatchet Lake in the remote national park.
National Park Service officials told WLUC they are searching for Berg. Officials said he was scheduled to depart the island on the Ranger III ferry on Saturday.
The Ranger III is a 165-foot-long, 34-foot-wide, 648-ton passenger vessel. It departs from Houghton and travels to either Rock Harbor or Windigo on Isle Royale.
Berg's son, Evan, told WXYZ searchers initially focused on Rock Harbor, where Craig's hike was supposed to end, but they did not find him there.
He said crews have since expanded the operation deeper into the island, adding the island's remote location and rugged terrain may make it difficult.
"They're spread pretty thin up there. I know it's a pretty remote national park. There's no horses, there's no motor vehicles; everything's by foot. I mean, it's what, 400 square miles of wilderness? That's a lot for a handful of people to try to search," Evan told the news station.
The family described Craig Berg as 5 feet 10 inches tall and about 210-220 pounds. He could be wearing jeans, brown hiking boots and a light-blue backpack. He may also be walking slowly and using trekking poles.
Officials ask anyone with information regarding Berg's whereabouts to call the Isle Royale National Park at 906-482-0984.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Royal Oak Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.