MUNISING - An Iowa man was rescued from Munising Bay Saturday afternoon after his kayak overturned in two-foot waves, according to the Alger County Sheriff Department.
Edward Gallagher, 62, was among a group of five kayakers who were in distress on the northeast point of Grand Island around 3:30 p.m. A passing tour boat, Rip Tide Ride, had notified the U.S. Coast Guard of the kayakers.
Two deputies and two park rangers from the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore responded to the scene in the Alger County rescue boat. Rescue swimmers used an inflatable raft tethered to a safety line to rescue Gallagher from a rocky plateau where he had taken shelter along with the tour group leader.
Three other kayakers from the group had made their way to a beach near the Grand Island Lighthouse, said deputies.
Gallagher told rescuers he had limited experience kayaking, became exhausted and then lost control of his kayak which overturned. The tour group leader assisted him to the rocky plateau. Gallagher was exhausted but did not require medical attention and was transported back to the mainland in the rescue boat.
Others who assisted in the rescue included Shipwreck Tours and personnel from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
The sheriff's department advises kayakers to use care and caution when navigating Lake Superior including being properly geared and trained for safety on the water.