Oregon Coast Deputy Uses Row Boat to Rescue Man in Submerged Vehicle

Published 10/09/2026 at 7:57 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Waldport, Oregon) – Part of a much-loved central Oregon coast bay became the scene of quite the rescue on Thursday, after a senior citizen accidentally drove into it and nearly drowned. Photos courtesy LCSO

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office reports that deputies rescued an elderly driver Wednesday afternoon after his vehicle plunged into Alsea Bay and became partially submerged about 40 feet from shore near SE Shady Cove Lane.

Deputies were dispatched at 1:18 p.m., the office said.

“When deputies arrived on scene, they located a Gray Subaru Outback submerged in the water up to the windows,” the LCSO said. “Deputies saw an individual who appeared to be trapped inside the vehicle and heard him calling for help.”

Acting quickly, deputies located a small boat nearby and rowed out to the vehicle.

According to the LCSO, the deputy Jacob Wright forced entry into the Subaru and found the driver in distress and unable to escape. Wright left the boat and entered the bay, pulling the man from the vehicle and keeping him above water until Central Oregon Coast Fire personnel reached the scene.

“Deputies assisted fire personnel in loading the patient onto a Jet Ski and took him to shore, where PacWest Ambulance personnel were waiting to begin treatment and transport of the patient.

“Deputies and fire personnel then loaded the patient onto a Jet Ski and brought him to shore, where PacWest Ambulance crews began treatment and transport,” LCSO said.

There were others involved in the rescue and many to thank, the agency said, but especially Wright.

“The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office would like to commend Deputy Wright’s swift and selfless action in rendering aid to an individual in crisis,” they said. “His actions embody LCSO’s commitment to providing our community with outstanding service, ensuring the safety and quality of life of all our community members. LCSO would also like to thank our first responder partners for their assistance in safely resolving this incident.”

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