LINCOLN CITY – A person drowned Sunday afternoon near the mouth of Siletz Bay after being pulled out to sea by a strong current, according to North Lincoln Fire & Rescue.
First responders from North Lincoln, Lincoln City police, Depoe Bay, the Coast Guard and Pacific West Ambulance responded to 9-1-1 calls about 3:40 p.m. of reports of an individual caught in the surf.
In a news release Sunday night, North Lincoln said crews arrived within minutes of being dispatched and launched two rescue jet skis. The Coast Guard responded with two lifeboats and a helicopter, and Lincoln City police used a drone help locate the individual.
North Lincoln said first responded eventually found the individual but was dead. Oregon State Police is investigating the death and will release the person’s identification, North Lincoln said.
North Lincoln officials asked residents and visitors to use extreme caution around the ocean. Sneaker waves can strike without warning, knocking people off their feet and dragging them into deep, cold water, its news release said.
“Never turn your back on the ocean,” the agency said in its news release. “If the sand is wet, that means the water has already reached that point. And if someone is swept out, do not go in after them — call 9-1-1 immediately and keep eyes on them from shore.”
This is so sad. My sincere condolences and prayers to everyone concerning the loss of their loved one.