97-Year-Old Rescued at Michigan Coast Guard Festival

During the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival in Michigan, a 97-year-old man fell over six feet into the Grand River after losing his balance while resting on his walker during a ship tour event. Seaman Joseph Turk, a crew member aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Katmai Bay and a recent recruit, immediately jumped into the river and kept the man afloat for over 20 minutes until rescue equipment could be deployed. The elderly man sustained injuries to his right hand and leg and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Turk credited his recent surface swimmer training and teamwork for the successful rescue. The incident highlighted the bravery and preparedness of Coast Guard personnel during the annual festival that honors their service. The Coast Guard Festival attracts over 350,000 visitors each year and includes various events celebrating the service's legacy.