Man clinging to cliff ‘was slipping and couldn’t hold on’ as rescuers rushed in
A man is on the mend after being rescued from a dire situation in Michigan.
The fire department in Mackinac Island rushed to the scene after receiving a call of a man in a precarious situation after doing something that was prohibited.
“At 1:57pm MIFD along with EMS was dispatched for a man who fell down a cliff and had a possible broken arm. Updates from dispatch while units were enroute was that the man was slipping and couldn’t hold on much longer,” the Mackinac Island Fire Department said in an Aug. 31 Facebook statement.
Two squads were directed into different locations to attempt rescue: one at the top of the cliff with a technical line and a second with a truck at the base.
“Fortunately, Ladder 2 was able to reach the man and FF Joshua Carley ascended the ladder and brought the man down. The man was turned over to EMS. It was said he had about 10 seconds left before letting go,” the department said.
Personnel at the nearby water filtration plant helped spot the man, the department said.
The rescued man’s condition is stable, the department said. “Because of patient confidentiality we’re unable to post pics of the rescue,” the department said.
According to the department, climbing the cliffs on the island is “prohibited” and that this was the second rescue of the year.
Mackinac Island is an historic place that is known for not allowing cars, a ban that’s been in place since 1901. Access via ferry is located in Mackinaw City, which is about a 280-mile drive north from Detroit.
This story was originally published September 1, 2025 at 12:55 PM with the headline "Man clinging to cliff ‘was slipping and couldn’t hold on’ as rescuers rushed in."