On August 5th at 1:23 a.m., Voyageurs' Park Rangers received a call about a hiker failing to return to his campsite in Lost Bay on Kabetogama Lake in Voyageurs National Park. Shortly after, Park Rangers and St. Louis County Deputies began a land and water search. At 6:30 a.m. they were joined by the St. Louis County Volunteer Search and Rescue Squad, additional park staff, the park’s airplane, and a Forest Service Officer. Overall, 25 individuals from multiple agencies were deployed on land, water, and air. At 12:08 p.m., Jeremy Brands of Minnesota was spotted by the park’s pilot approximately ¾ of a mile from his campsite near a swamp. He was contacted by park rangers shortly after and returned to his campsite and family in good condition. Brands had lost his way after darkness fell and was off the trail.
Park Superintendent Mike Ward said, “We are pleased Mr. Brands was located in good condition. I would like to remind visitors to be prepared for even short hikes and have a plan in place that details their route and time they plan to return." Ward further stated, “I value the close working relationship we have with St. Louis County and the Forest Service and the well coordinated search that provided this positive outcome."
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
