Overview

• The 8-, 10-, 13- and 14-year-olds lost their paddles after reaching a small rock island off Black Beach near Silver Bay, and a parent called for help just after 8 p.m. Saturday.
• Deputies and other local responders, assisted by Silver Bay Marina manager Mike Ettel, made visual contact by boat but could not reach the rock due to high waves and hazardous conditions.
• Lake County Rescue rigged a rope relay from a nearby island to send blankets and food because the girls were in swimsuits and getting cold.
• An MH-60 Jayhawk crew from Air Station Traverse City arrived around 1 a.m., hoisted all four into a rescue basket, and flew them to a landing zone where EMS and their parents were waiting.
• The Coast Guard praised coordination with Lake County agencies, Silver Bay police and fire, and the Minnesota State Patrol, and noted crew member Petty Officer 3rd Class Lorenzo Giambanco completed his first Great Lakes rescue.