Photo: MN DPS

By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - May 21, 2026

The Minnesota Air Rescue Team (MART) successfully conducted its first nighttime rescue last week when two stranded individuals in Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) were pulled to safety. 

As part of the Minnesota State Emergency Response Teams of the Department of Public Safety (DPS) State Fire Marshal division, MART is a team formed through a joint partnership with the Minnesota State Patrol Aviation Division and the St. Paul Fire Department Advanced Technical Rescue Team.

According to MART, officials were called for assistance in the BWCAW last week after receiving reports of a capsized canoe. Two individuals were stranded and did not have gear to withstand cold overnight temperatures, potentially leading to hypothermia. Local ground rescue efforts were called in but were hindered by high water levels and powerful currents, requiring aviation assistance.

Minnesota State Patrol pilots flew a helicopter to the remote area, while St. Paul Fire Department rescuers operated the equipment necessary to hoist both individuals from the ground. The pair were successfully lifted into the aircraft and transported to the Ely Airport.

The success of this mission is the result of specialized planning and development over recent years. According to DPS, the Minnesota Legislature approved $14.4 million in 2023 for a new twin-engine Bell 429 helicopter, called "Trooper 7." Custom-built for public safety, this aircraft features a side-mounted hoist system designed for rapid extractions, allowing the crew to lower rescuers and lift victims directly into the cabin without landing.

Of course, rescues at night bring other sets of challenges. State Patrol pilots and St. Paul Fire Department officials underwent intensive night-inland hoist certification training, which was completed in late 2025. The specialized training focused on night-vision goggle coordination, thermal imaging systems, and precise crew communication in low-visibility environments.

Before purchasing Trooper 7 and completing the specialized night training and certifications, MART rescues were limited to daylight hours and environments where helicopters could land safely. Additionally, the rescues could take an hour or more. With the new technology and training, officials can have individuals airborne in 10-15 minutes after arriving on scene. 

According to DPS, Minnesota is the only upper Midwest state that owns and operates its own helicopters full-time. 

Video of last week's BWCAW rescue can be seen below.