As the search for two missing canoeists in Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA) extends into its second week, the Minnesota National Guard has been called in to assist. The canoeists went missing near Curtain Falls on May 18. Governor Tim Walz authorized the deployment on Thursday, emphasizing the urgency and difficulty of the search operation.
The National Guard has deployed a CH-47 Chinook helicopter and a crew of four to aid in the rescue efforts. Their mission includes transporting vital equipment and personnel to the challenging terrain of Curtain Falls, an area described as extremely difficult to access. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, which requested the Guard’s assistance, has established a camp to support the ongoing search.
Search Intensifies Despite Challenges
The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office provided an update on Friday, noting that over a dozen crew members are actively searching the area. The search efforts include shoreline, water, and remote-operated vehicle (ROV) searches, despite challenging weather conditions and rising water levels.
The sheriff’s office acknowledged that assistance from various agencies, including the National Guard, and favorable weather on Thursday had significantly aided their efforts. This support has been crucial in transporting equipment and personnel to the remote search area, enhancing the chances of locating the missing canoeists.
Incident Details and Ongoing Efforts
The incident began last Saturday when two canoes carrying four individuals went over Curtain Falls. A water emergency on Iron Lake in the BWCA was reported around 7:30 p.m. on May 18. One party member was severely injured, and two individuals went missing. A rescue operation launched that night successfully extracted the injured individuals. One was flown to a hospital with serious but not life-threatening injuries. A fifth member of the group, who was not involved in the incident, was also flown out of the wilderness.
The search for the two missing canoeists, identified as Jesse Melvin Haugen, 41, of Cambridge, Minnesota, and Reis Melvin Grams, 40, of Lino Lakes, Minnesota, continued throughout the week. However, severe weather temporarily halted efforts on Wednesday before they resumed on Thursday.
Previous Tragedies in the Boundary Waters
This search comes shortly after another tragic incident in the BWCA. Earlier in May, a 62-year-old man was found deceased in Lake Agnes. A capsized canoe was located near the body, and although a life jacket was found on the scene, it was not worn by the victim. The man was on a solo camping trip, and an investigation into his death is ongoing.
The BWCA, located about 250 miles north of Minneapolis, spans over a million acres and features 1,200 miles of canoe routes, according to the U.S. Forest Service. The area’s remote and rugged terrain makes search and rescue operations particularly challenging, necessitating coordinated efforts from multiple agencies and resources. The search mission continues with hopes of a successful outcome, driven by the dedication of the rescue teams and the support of the broader community.