Woman rescued after being swept into Lake Superior near Artist’s Point

A woman was rescued from Lake Superior near Artist’s Point on Sunday afternoon after being swept into the lake.

At about 4:49 p.m. on Nov. 2, the Cook County Sheriff’s Office received multiple 911 calls reporting that four people had walked out to the Grand Marais Lighthouse, and one of them had been swept into Lake Superior.

Cook County Sheriff’s Deputy Will Sandstrom responded to the call and, once arriving on scene, observed that members of the party, along with an individual who was fishing nearby, had pulled the woman from the lake.

After the woman was rescued from Lake Superior, she complained of a headache and weakness that prohibited her from walking, according to the sheriff’s office. Deputy Sandstrom and members of the party assisted the woman to safe ground, where the North Shore Health ambulance then transported her to the hospital for medical care.

“The heroic actions of the people with the victim were instrumental in avoiding a tragedy in this situation. I cannot thank them enough, and the swift action of Deputy Will Sandstrom was contributory to making sure the victim received medical attention quickly,” Cook County Sheriff Pat Eliasen said. “Although Lake Superior is a tremendous sight when the winds are blowing strong, the lake is not forgiving when you make a mistake. Large waves will knock you into the water, and strong currents can make it impossible to get to safety. Expiration in water that cold does not take long.”

The medical status of the woman as of Monday morning is unknown.

The North Shore experienced high winds and rough conditions on Lake Superior on Sunday. A wind advisory was in effect for the northeastern region of Minnesota on Sunday, with winds expected to reach 40 to 50 mph. Throughout Sunday, waves were crashing into the Grand Marais Lighthouse and the breakwall.

In a Sunday Facebook post, the National Weather Service said, “Winds turn to become westerly Monday and remain strong.”

The powerful winds and rough waters on Lake Superior in late fall are often referred to as the Gales of November. Along the North Shore, from Duluth to the Canadian border, the storms frequently bring intense gusts and towering waves.

According to the National Weather Service, Lake Superior’s water temperature near Duluth is 53.1 degrees, while areas farther north near Lutsen are 39.3 degrees.

Kalli Hawkins November 3, 2025