FRANKFORT — A life-threatening situation unfolded at the Frankfort pier when four tourists became trapped by waves which meant a helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City had to be called in.

“There’s too many forces against you when the conditions are bad,” said Frankfort police chief Mark Ketz.

Around 9 p.m. on Sunday the Frankfort fire department received a call that several people were stranded on the pier as waves up to 8 feet crashed over the break wall trapping four tourists.

Frankfort fire chief Michael Cederholm said rescuers on his team were ready to jump into action -- but he knew immediately the situation was too dangerous for his team to attempt a rescue themselves.

“A simple foot of water can actually sweep somebody off of this pier, and my fear was that I’d c

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