Coast Guard Rescues Four Girls Stranded on Island in Lake Superior

A summer adventure turned into a frightening ordeal when four young girls found themselves stranded on a small island in Lake Superior, triggering a dramatic rescue operation by the U.S. Coast Guard. The incident, which ended without injuries, has sparked renewed conversations about safety on the Great Lakes and the risks of venturing into remote areas without preparation.

The ordeal began on Sunday afternoon when the girls, all between the ages of 12 and 14, set out to explore the shoreline near Munising, Michigan. According to officials, the group had been playing near the water and decided to wade across a shallow channel to reach a small island not far from the coast. What began as an innocent adventure quickly turned dangerous when shifting winds and rising waves made it impossible for the girls to return.

“They underestimated how quickly conditions on Lake Superior can change,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Mark Holloway, a member of the rescue crew. “One moment the water is calm and shallow, and the next, the waves are too high and the current too strong for kids to cross safely.”

Panicked by their situation, the girls attempted to wave down boaters in the area. Fortunately, a family out on a fishing trip noticed the group stranded on the rocky outcrop and called 911. Within minutes, the Coast Guard station in Marquette was alerted, and a rescue boat was dispatched to the scene.

Witnesses described the girls as visibly shaken but trying to stay calm. “They were huddled together, waving their arms,” said John Mitchell, who spotted them while fishing with his son. “We knew something was wrong right away. You don’t expect to see kids stuck on a little island like that.”

The Coast Guard crew arrived shortly afterward in a 45-foot response boat. With winds picking up and waves growing stronger, the rescue was conducted with precision. Crew members carefully maneuvered the vessel close to the island, throwing a line to the girls and helping them one by one into the boat. “They were scared but cooperative,” Holloway said. “Our job was to keep them calm and get them out safely.”

After being rescued, the girls were wrapped in blankets and given water before being transported back to shore, where they were reunited with their families. Paramedics evaluated them on site and confirmed that none of the girls sustained injuries, though all were fatigued and cold from exposure.

For the families, relief quickly replaced fear. “We’re just thankful they’re safe,” said one of the parents, who declined to be named. “It was a terrifying phone call to get, but the Coast Guard was incredible. We’ll never forget what they did.”

Officials emphasized that while the incident ended safely, it could easily have had a tragic outcome. Lake Superior, the largest and deepest of the Great Lakes, is notorious for its unpredictable weather and strong currents. Even experienced swimmers can struggle in its cold, turbulent waters. “People often underestimate Lake Superior,” said Lt. Cmdr. Rachel Foster of the Coast Guard. “It’s not like a regular lake — it’s essentially an inland sea. The conditions can turn dangerous in minutes.”

The Coast Guard used the incident as an opportunity to remind the public of water safety protocols. Children, they stressed, should always be supervised when near large bodies of water, and even short excursions require proper planning and awareness of local conditions. Wearing life jackets, carrying communication devices, and checking weather forecasts are critical precautions.

Local residents echoed the warnings, noting that Lake Superior has a long history of accidents and drownings. “Every year, someone gets caught off guard,” said James Carter, a longtime resident of Munising. “You think you know the lake, but it has a way of reminding you how powerful it really is.”

The dramatic rescue quickly drew attention on social media, with many praising the Coast Guard for its swift and professional response. Photos shared by bystanders showed the Coast Guard vessel approaching the small rocky island, where the girls waited anxiously for help. Comments from community members highlighted both relief and gratitude, with one post reading: “Heroes. Pure and simple. Thank you for bringing those girls home.”

For the four young girls, the ordeal is likely to leave a lasting impression. While shaken, they told rescuers they had not realized how risky their decision was until it was too late. “They admitted they thought it would be fun to explore,” Holloway said. “They didn’t expect the water level and currents to change so quickly.”

Water safety experts say incidents like this highlight the importance of education. “It’s about awareness,” explained Dr. Elaine Morton, an outdoor recreation specialist. “Kids — and adults — need to understand that nature doesn’t play by our rules. A lake as massive as Superior requires respect. If this situation encourages even a few families to talk about safety, then something positive can come from it.”

The Coast Guard is expected to file a full report on the incident, but officials have already praised the quick-thinking fisherman who spotted the girls and called for help. “Without that call, this could have been a very different story,” Lt. Cmdr. Foster said.

As for the community, Sunday’s events serve as a sobering reminder of both the risks and the resources available in times of crisis. Residents say the rescue has renewed their appreciation for the Coast Guard and first responders who safeguard the region.

“Every time they go out, they put themselves on the line,” Carter said. “Whether it’s a boat in distress or kids stuck on an island, they’re always there.”

In the end, the rescue of the four girls will be remembered not just for the danger they faced but for the professionalism and courage of those who saved them. What could have been a devastating tragedy became instead a story of relief, resilience, and the unwavering commitment of the Coast Guard to protect lives on the treacherous waters of Lake Superior.