SILVER BAY, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) – A dramatic rescue unfolded on Lake Superior Saturday night after four young girls became stranded on a small island near Black Beach.
According to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, a call came in at 8:05 p.m. on August 16 reporting four juvenile females who had been paddleboarding when they drifted to the smaller of two nearby islands. After landing, the group lost their paddles, leaving them unable to return.
The girls, ages 14, 13, 10, and 8, were left stranded on the island, wearing only swimsuits as night temperatures dropped.
Multi-Agency Response
The Silver Bay Police Department made initial contact at the beach while Lake County deputies launched a response from the Silver Bay Marina. Due to rough waters, deputies boarded a former U.S. Coast Guard vessel operated by the Silver Bay Marina manager, which was better suited for large waves.
Rescuers established visual contact and told the girls to stay in place. A request for the Minnesota Air Rescue Team was denied due to weather conditions, but the U.S. Coast Guard dispatched a helicopter from Traverse City, Michigan.
Keeping the Girls Safe
While waiting for air support, Lake County Rescue set up a rope relay from the larger island to the smaller one. This allowed rescuers to deliver food and blankets to the girls, who were at risk of hypothermia.
Helicopter Rescue
At approximately 1:00 a.m., the U.S. Coast Guard helicopter arrived and successfully airlifted all four juveniles to a landing zone set up by the Silver Bay Fire Department in the local business park. The girls were safely reunited with their parents.
Officials credited the coordinated response of local police, deputies, rescue crews, and the Coast Guard for preventing tragedy.
For more on water safety and paddleboarding precautions, visit the U.S. Coast Guard safety page.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
