Trailer with nine kayaks on board flips on Big Mac and only makes it across with eight

A strong gust of wind caused a canoe trailer to tip over on the Mackinac Bridge, but thanks to quick thinking and teamwork, everyone made it safely across.

On October 17, 2026, at about 11:12 p.m., a Michigan State Police trooper from the St. Ignace Post responded to a trailer that had tipped over while crossing the Mackinac Bridge.

The trailer was being pulled by a pickup truck and was carrying eight canoes. A gust of wind caused the trailer to tip over and come to rest against the bridge railing on the northbound lanes. The trooper helped keep the driver and his dog safe and warm inside the patrol car while waiting for more help to arrive.

George’s Towing from St. Ignace responded and was able to pull the trailer back onto the road and upright again, without losing a single canoe. Once upright, the goal was then to get everyone to the north side of the bridge safely.

To help keep the trailer from tipping over again, the tow truck stayed attached while the trooper escorted everyone to the north side of the bridge. Thanks to the teamwork, everyone made it safely across with all eight canoes.

Update: It was initially believed the trailer carried eight canoes, but it has been clarified that there had originally been nine. Before the trooper had arrived on scene, one canoe had reportedly blown off the trailer. Nice job by George’s Towing in getting the trailer upright and saving the remaining canoes.