CHEBOYGAN, Mich. — U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City rescued a hunter from a wooded area southwest of Cheboygan, Mich., Thursday at approximately 7 p.m.
The man, who was deer hunting and became lost, called 911 and reported his situation to the Cheboygan Sheriff’s Dept. at approximately 5:30 p.m. The Sheriff’s Dept. then called the Ninth Coast Guard District command center for help with the search.
The hunter was experiencing first-stage hypothermia when the HH-65 rescue helicopter crew spotted his signal and lifted him to safety.
“We conducted a 130-foot hoist; we were able to find him because he was shining a flashlight,” said Lt.Cmdr. Scott Jones, Assistant Operations Officer, Air Station Traverse City.
According to Jones, the hunter could not feel his own legs and was shivering uncontrollably.
The air crew transferred him to awaiting Emergency Medical Services in Cheboygan.
The Coast Guard advises citizens recreating near or on Great Lakes ice to observe the following safety precautions:
I – Intelligence (research the weather, know the area, leave word with family/friends)
C – Clothing (wear an exposure suit or clothing that can help protect you if you fall in the water)
E – Equipment (carry cell phones, screwdrivers to help you climb out of the water, or a radio to call for help, etc.)
