Archive image: A first responder from northern Michigan gets a first-hand look at what it’s like to be hoisted during training at Pellston Regional Airport.
Local police and firefighters practiced hoisting to the aircraft and learned what to be aware of in case of a mishap.
U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Petty Officer John Masson.
Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Omar Faba, Coast Guard Great Lakes
TRAVERSE CITY, Michigan. — A Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City MH-60T Jayhawk aircrew conducted the rescue of two survivors in stable condition following a plane crash on North Fox Island in Lake Michigan. Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
Coast Guard Sector Northern Great Lakes watchstanders received notification of a plane crash with two people aboard at 6:45 p.m.
A Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City MH-60T Jayhawk Medium-Range Recovery Helicopter aircrew launched to perform te rescue, brought the plane crash survivors aboard the MH-60T and transferred them from North Fox Island to Traverse City at 8:45 p.m.
“After hearing the search and rescue alarm for a plane crash on North Fox Island, the crew did a fantastic job jumping into action and getting airborne within 20 minutes. En route we were able to get confirmation that there were no injuries which took a lot of stress off everyone,” said Lt. Steven Durfee, MH-60T Jayhawk MRR Helicopter pilot, Air Station Traverse City.
“We were able to land right next to the crash and embark both persons who were aboard the crashed aircraft. The passengers of the plane did everything right by reaching out for help early. While not in any immediate danger, the temperatures did dip below freezing that evening, and they were not prepared to stay the night on the remote island.”
–USCG–
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