ST. IGNACE, MI (AP)-- The U.S. Coast Guard has rescued a 65-year-old woman whose sailboat ran aground during a solo sailing challenge from Chicago to Mackinac Island.
The woman used a marine radio to call for help early Tuesday from the Straits of Mackinac between Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsulas. The Coast Guard says she was airlifted from near the 35-foot sailboat after two unsuccessful rescue attempts.
She was taken to a hospital for evaluation, but was protected by cold water gear and a life jacket.
The boat ran aground near Round Island. A Coast Guard crew arrived by boat, but couldn't get close enough due to waves and shallow water. A Coast Guard helicopter tried to reach her but had mechanical problems. Another helicopter rescued her.