On Thursday, Sept 10 at about 11 p.m. the Lane County Sheriff’s Office received information about an overdue subject in the Cape Creek area just south of the Heceta Head lighthouse between Florence and Yachats. A woman reported dropping off a man to go mushroom picking, but she was unable to find him when she went back to pick him up. The man had a puppy with him, but he had no additional provisions.

LCSO Deputies and Search & Rescue volunteers responded to the area. Cellular communication is patchy in that part of Lane County. The woman continued searching on her own, so deputies were unable to reach her for additional information.

About 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, search and rescue volunteers located the man and the puppy. He had made it to the woman’s vehicle, but she was not present. She had left a note in her car stating she was still out looking for the man. The volunteers continued searching the area and at about 3:20 p.m., located the woman by drone. Both people were found uninjured.

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office wants everyone to recreate safely. Please remember, information is crucial to searchers. If you are making a report, ensure you have a way to be reached for additional information. Wanting to help is admirable, but do not put yourself in the same situation as those you are trying save. Also

Always tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return;

Know conditions before you leave;

Be prepared to stay out overnight even if you don’t plan to get out of your car;

Bring maps for offline navigation, cell phone service can be spotty;

If you go on the water, always wear a life jacket; and

If you become lost, stay put. Find a way to signal or make your location visible. Always carry a whistle and flashlight in the outdoors – they might save your life.