Alger County Kayak Rescue

A kayaker from Iowa was rescued in Alger County Saturday afternoon, thanks in part to a tour boat.
The Alger County Sheriff’s Department received a call at 3:30 Saturday afternoon that five kayakers were in distress on the northeast point of Grand Island.
The tour boat company Rip Tide Rides reported the incident to the Coast Guard.
Sheriff’s deputies and rangers from Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore rescued 62-year-old Edward Gallagher from a rocky plateau.
He had taken shelter there along with the group’s tour leader.
Three more kayakers had traveled to a beach near the Grand Island lighthouse.
Gallagher said that he had limited experience kayaking.
Officials say he lost control of his kayak and overturned.
Gallagher was exhausted but did not require medical attention.
The Michigan DNR, the National Park Service and personnel from the U.S. Coast Guard assisted at the scene.
The Sheriff’s Department would like to thank Rip Tide Rides and the Shipwreck Tours for their initial response and assistance in this incident.
Deputies continue to warn kayakers to use care and caution when navigating Lake Superior.
Proper equipment and training is needed for safety on the lake.